West Ham lodge appeal to CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have opened proceedings to determine if they can hear West Ham's appeal against a ruling which could see them pay out millions over the Carlos Tevez affair.

CAS confirmed that a "statement of appeal" had been filed by the Hammers, asking the Lausanne court to adjudicate on an independent tribunal's assertion that they should pay compensation to Sheffield United for their relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07.

A statement from CAS read: "The CAS has initiated an arbitration procedure and will first examine its jurisdiction as a preliminary issue after both clubs have had the opportunity to file written submissions on this point."

"For the moment, no decision has been made with respect to the holding of a hearing. In any event, a decision on jurisdiction is not to be expected before the end of November 2008."

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