Kia Joorabchian tonight confirmed that he has instigated court proceedings against West Ham United over the Carlos Tevez transfer affair.

Joorabchian - in the form of his companies MSI Group and Just Sports Incorporated - is believed to have issued a High Court writ for damages in relation to an alleged breach of contract by West Ham, his move coming just hours after Fifa recommended that the dispute should go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

With Joorabchian deciding to pursue this course of action there would be no need for CAS to adjudicate, even though the Hammers say they are happy to abide by Fifa's recommendation as are the Football Association and the Premier League. Manchester United are not involved in the process.

But Joorabchian has now forced the issue and feels that by bringing the matter to the High Court a clearer picture would emerge surrounding the furore and there would be a firmer and speedier conclusion than at CAS.

Solicitor Graham Shear of lawyers Teacher Stern Selby said in a statement: “I can confirm the companies [MSI and Just Sports Inc] have today begun High Court proceedings against West Ham.

“This afternoon a High Court writ was served on the football club’s solicitors. The companies seek the court’s intervention to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tevez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties.

“We are asking the court to intervene so that Carlos Tevez can be registered to play with Manchester United as soon as possible.”

West Ham were eager for Fifa to get involved in what has become a stalemate in recent weeks, with the London club refusing to sanction the Argentina striker's proposed move to Old Trafford.

Tevez is registered as their player, but Joorabchian claims he owns the 23-year-old's economic rights and is therefore entitled to his transfer fee.

The Premier League, however, say the Hammers own the player and therefore must receive any such fee.

Fifa came to their decision following a high level meeting with FA and Premier League officials in Zurich yesterday.

Their legal team considered the case overnight before recommending the Court of Arbitration for Sport rule on the matter.

Spokesmen Andreas Herren said: "Under the circumstances it was felt it would be in the best interest of all parties to take this course. 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."

Fifa's senior legal counsel has been in touch with the Football Association and the Premier League to advise them of their decision.

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