Joorabchian seeking High Court resolution to Tevez transfer row

Carlos Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian has resorted to the High Court to force through the player's contentious transfer from West Ham to Manchester United despite Fifa's recommendation that the saga be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

World football's governing body announced yesterday it would not become embroiled in the Argentine's disputed move to Old Trafford and proposed a definitive hearing at the Lausanne-based CAS, a solution welcomed by the Hammers and also United, although they are not involved in the process.

"We welcome a speedy resolution to this matter and are confident we will secure the player's services before the close of the transfer window," an Old Trafford spokesman said last night.

Joorabchian, however, has begun proceedings to settle the dispute over the player's economic rights at the High Court. He believes the true picture of Tevez's controversial transfer to Upton Park will only emerge in court, not at an independent hearing with the CAS.

Fifa attempted to refer the saga to the CAS following a meeting with officials from the Football Association and the Premier League in Zurich on Monday. The Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren explained: "It looks like being the fastest way of resolving this matter. It is not a refusal by Fifa to get involved, quite the contrary. It is a recommendation by Fifa to opt for this way."

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