FIFA ready to decide on Tevez as Hammers insist on formal offer

The Argentina striker's £20million switch from West Ham to Manchester United has been held up by a row over ownership rights.

Tevez's representatives insist the Upton Park club are not entitled to compensation for the striker who, they claim, was effectively on loan last season.

But the Hammers, backed by the Premier League, believe a transfer fee is warranted because, in their view, third-party agreements in place when Tevez were signed are no longer valid.

In a bid to break the impasse, Tevez's representatives - led by businessman Kia Joorabchian - may report the matter to FIFA who are the ultimate regulators of transfers. The world governing body could be asked to rule if Tevez should be allowed to cancel his contract with West Ham - which has three years still to run - in order to join United.

The Premier League yesterday rejected an attempt by the Tevez camp to cancel his registration with West Ham.

It is understood the League are not satisfied his desire to join another club is a valid reason for cancelling a contract under the rules. This view is contested by Tevez's representatives, who claim a third-party agreement with West Ham gives them economic rights over the player. Sources have indicated they are poised to ask for FIFA for a ruling.

A FIFA spokesman said: "Any party can send a case to FIFA as long as they can prove it is related to an international transfer. FIFA can request documentation from all parties involved and decide whether to look into the case or if it is a matter for the Football Association."

One problem for Joorabchian will be proving the Tevez deal is an international transfer. Although he is likely to argue the move involves United dealing with a third party not based in the UK, the Premier League will say the transfer is a domestic deal between the Manchester club and West Ham.

The Football Association are yet to receive any communication relating to the Tevez transfer.

Officials are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with the Premier League. The FA have the power to take action but will only get involved in the dispute in response to a specific request. If FIFA and the FA cannot resolve the row, it could be headed for the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

West Ham are understood to be waiting for United to make a formal bid for the 23-year-old.

A club spokesman said: "Tevez is a registered player with West Ham and has a player's contract, and there is no change to that. In order for this to change a formal offer has to be made for the player and West Ham have made it clear we would like him to stay. At the moment, no deal is in place for him to move."

United believe they don't need to pay any cash to West Ham because they consider Tevez a free agent.