11/05/24
June 04, 2007
Sheffield United back to EPL?: Relegated Sheffield United have an arbitration hearing overturn the EPL's decision to fine rather than dock West Ham points for illegally fielding players that were not "owned" by the club. Sheffield claim they will be returned to the EPL next season if they win the arbitration. The fallout may be West Ham taking Sheffield's place in the First Division or (horrors!) 21 teams in the EPL next season. In a related proceeding, actor Sean Bean (of Lord of the Rings and Bond "GoldenEye" movies fame) will lead a Sheffield United delegation to Parliament to press the point. This is turning into a real spectacle.
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 03:49 PM - 4 comments
I think Hammers should go down. By comparison, NCAA penalties apply even if the coach, administrator or athlete involved have already left so just because Magnuson bought the poke ought not to matter. Whether that happens with such a huge wad of cash involved I can't say, but if Sheffield United don't back down there's sure to be a titanic mess.
posted by billsaysthis at 12:13 AM on June 05, 2007
Does Gary Sheffield own this team? Haha, jk. Soccer is boooooooooooring!
posted by rob4698 at 12:19 PM on June 06, 2007
rob4698, if you don't like a particular sport, just don't comment, okay? One of the rules of this place is, we don't drop into other people's threads and shit all over them. If you've got something to say, great, your input will be welcomed. If your comment above is the best you've got, do everybody a favor and keep it to yourself. This may help you navigate the site better. Thanks, and welcome to SportsFilter!
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:07 PM on June 06, 2007
Not gonna happen. West Ham really should have been docked points, but Sheffield United should accept that it's over. 40 points is usually accepted to be the safe level, and the Blades were well short. In the end their relegation is their own fault. And yes, I know my lot got lucky by surviving with 34 points a couple of years ago...