CAS delay in Tevez case

a statement released on the CAS website confirmed that the arbitration procedure (or preliminary hearing) had begun, but a decision on whether to hear the case in full had been deferred.

"The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms that a statement of appeal has been filed by West Ham United football club against Sheffield United football club with respect to the interim award of 18 September 2008 that was rendered by an arbitration panel of the English Football Association (FA)," the statement read.

West Ham United requests the annulment of the FA arbitration panel’s award. The dispute is related to the validity of the registration of the Argentinean football player, Carlos Tevez with West Ham United at the beginning of the football season 2006/2007.

"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."