Leroy Rosenior reckons Fifa’s decision to impose a £71,000 fine on the Hammers for playing Diafra Sakho in the fourth round of the FA Cup has left Bristol City with a case to seek a replay if they choose to.
Leroy has played for both clubs and done every job possible at City where he has been caretaker manager, academy boss and assistant boss.
By punishing the Irons Fifa may have indicated the Hammers played an ineligible player at Ashton Gate and Leroy believes that leaves the door open to a City appeal to the Football Association.
However, he knows the club better than most and believes it far more likely they will seek financial compensation declaring: “They have bigger fish to fry than the FA Cup – they are seeking promotion and can do without that.
Leroy – ClaretandHugh’s chief analust told us: “I think a Fifa fine on the Hammers was the right decision but the issues were very unclear and the world’s governing body should take the opportunity to tighten the rule. There are grey areas.”
There’s a precedent this season for a replay given that Chesterfield were ordered to replay their second round match after they admitted fielding an ineligible player.
The Spireites defeated MK Dons 1-0 in November with either Scunthorpe United or Worcester City.
But after fielding Georg Margreitter, a player on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, they were investigated as he did not have written permission to appear in the match.
Leroy said: “As I say I don’t think they will go down that road but the door would be open if they chose to.”
West Ham issued a statement which said: “The Club and the Player have received the decision and will now be focusing their concentration on the game against Manchester United on Sunday.”
Leroy. Even though West Ham felt that they had complied with the regulations, it appears that they have inadvertantly tripped up a FIFA interpretation and received a small fine by that organisation. What they have not done is breached any FA rules that govern the FA Cup, so have no case to answer. You ought to be ashamed of yourself in further promoting todays compensation culture and in any case Bristol should be looking to sue FIFA as it is their decision that Bristol have issue with. Lazy journalism mate and confirmation that football is greedy.