Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe says his club has won a ruling from an independent tribunal over  the Carlos Tevez affair.

United are seeking financial compensation from West Ham United, thought to be around £30 million, after the Yorkshire club were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2006 / 2007 season.

West Ham have already been found guilty of breaking Premier League rules over the signing of Tevez who kept the Hammers in the top flight that season with a number of vital late season goals.

The Hammers were fined £5.5 million by a Premier League panel but weren’t given a points penalty. That proved crucial as they survived on the final day of the season while Sheffield United went down.

It’s now thought that another tribunal will decide on exactly how much Sheffield United should be paid.

Speaking to the Sheffield United club web site, 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.”

Sheffield United’s claim was considered by former MCC president Lord Griffiths, Sir Anthony Colman, a former High Court judge, and Robert Englehart QC.

West Ham have yet to comment on the ruling and say they are seeking further legal advice. Its thought that they may appeal, taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.