FA wait on eligibility inquiry
The Football Association will wait for the outcome of the inquiry into player eligibility before deciding whether West Ham face action for fielding Carlos Tevez in the FA Cup.
Premier League officials are looking at whether the move to bring Tevez and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano to Upton Park breaches rules as clubs are not allowed to field players owned by a third party.
“We are awaiting the conclusion of the Premier League enquiry before looking at any possible implications in the FA Cup,” said an FA spokesman, with FA Cup rules stating that players have to comply with the eligibility terms of their own league.
Tevez played in the FA Cup third-round victory over Brighton, with the Hammers knocked out at the next stage of the competition by Watford.
Bury were kicked out of the FA Cup this season for fielding an ineligible player but with West Ham already knocked out of this season’s competition, punishing the Premiership club if found guilty could prove problematic.
Compensation to Brighton has been suggested, while matching Bury’s punishment could lead to calls for West Ham to be kicked out of next season’s competition.
“We are watching the situation with interest,” said a Bury spokesman, while Brighton confirmed they are also monitoring developments.
