The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has opened proceedings to determine if it can hear West Ham's appeal against a ruling that could see the club pay out millions over the Carlos Tevez affair. CAS confirmed this afternoon that the Hammers have filed a "statement of appeal", asking the Lausanne court to adjudicate on an independent tribunal's conclusion that they should pay compensation to Sheffield United for their relegation from the Premier League in 2006-07.

"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," read a statement from the court. "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."