Premier League: Tevez was eligible

The 'Gang of Four' clubs, who are lining up to challenge the decision to allow the Hammers to escape with a fine for playing Tevez and fellow Argentina star Javier Mascherano, have raised questions about whether the striker should have been allowed to continue playing for the club once the third-party interest from Kia Joorabchian became apparent.

But Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told The Sun: "This has never been a question of West Ham fielding an ineligible player. From the day they signed him, West Ham have owned his registration. That has never been an issue."

He added: "West Ham have never tried to conceal the fact Tevez and Javier Mascherano are owned by Kia Joorabchian and MSI. That is not against the rules.

"The only problem we had with the deal was the existence of a clause in the agreement which would allow Joorabchian to sell the players to another club at any time."

Sheffield United, Charlton, Wigan and Fulham, thought to be backed by Middlesbrough, have also questioned the player's right to continue playing after an independent commission handed down a £5.5million fine over the arrangement, but Johnson insists the Premier League are also happy with Tevez's re-registration.

He added: "On the day of the inquiry's judgment, West Ham chose to terminate the third-party agreement with Joorabchian. They presented the Premier League with written evidence of the new arrangement."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has claimed the Premier League will write to each of 20 top-flight clubs, explaining their handling of the affair.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old's performances have put him firmly in the shop window and despite retaining their status, West Ham look likely to lose their star player.

But Joorabchian remains tight-lipped and told the Daily Express: "I went out for dinner with Carlos on Monday night. There was not one word about his future. Carlos did not want to discuss his future, he was so wrapped up in wanting to keep West Ham up."