Sheffield United have been told they have been successful in their claim for compensation against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair.

A Football Association arbitration hearing has awarded in favour of Sheffield United .

Premier League club West Ham were fined £5.5million by the Premier League but not docked points when found guilty of fielding the ineligible Tevez and fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano during the 2006/7 season.

The Blades argued they were relegated unfairly on the final day of that season - West Ham survived after Tevez scored the winner at Manchester United, ironically the club he now plays for.

The Blades began their legal fight for reinstatement some 16 months ago, which also included an arbitration hearing against the Premier League. This award could now pose a question as to what the Premier League will do.

Sheffield United Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "I can confirm that both clubs have been notified of the ruling. The arbitration panel has awarded in our favour. The matter is still legally in process so I do not wish to comment any further until we have completed that process."

The claim was considered by a three-man panel, made up of Lord Griffiths, a former president of MCC, Sir Anthony Colman, a former High Court judge, and Robert Englehart, QC.