West Ham face massive compensation payout

West Ham could be ordered to pay huge compensation to Sheffield United if the latest inquiry into the Carlos Tevez affair rules in favour of the relegated Yorkshire club.

Sportsmail can reveal that the FA arbitration process has unlimited powers - unlike the Premier League hearing that sympathised with Sheffield but could not reinstate them.

The case centres on the eligibility of Tevez and Javier Mascherano and United chairman Kevin McCabe is claiming damages of up to £50m.

An FA source said: "The panel will have whatever powers they need. They can order recompense."