August 31, 2006: West Ham pull off what is seen as a major transfer coup by signing Carlos Tevez and his Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano.

September 1: West Ham admit having “exploratory discussions” over a possible takeover. Businessman Kia Joorabchian, who engineered the transfer of Tevez and Mascherano, is reported to be interested.

September 4: West Ham deny they are contractually obliged to play Tevez and Mascherano in every game.

September 10: Draw 1-1 with Aston Villa, Tevez making his debut off the bench.

November 21: West Ham accept £85million takeover bid by a consortium headed by Eggert Magnusson.

December 11: Pardew sacked as manager of West Ham.

March 2, 2007: West Ham are charged by the Premier League for breaching their rules in relation to the signings of Tevez and Mascherano in August.

April 4: A three-man panel is appointed by the Premier League to investigate the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.

April 27: West Ham are fined £5.5 million but spared a points deduction after pleading guilty. The verdict also rules “the registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated by the FA Premier League” but Tevez is later cleared to play on for West Ham.

May 13: Tevez scores the winning goal in 1-0 defeat to Manchester United which ensures West Ham avoid relegation.<QA1> May 15: FIFA say they will investigate Premier League ruling.

May 16: Sheffield United file “arbitration proceedings” against the Premier League in a bid to overturn the decision not to deduct points from West Ham. The same day Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore send a six-page letter to all 20 club chairmen defending the decision.

May 22: The Premier League agree to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on Sheffield United’s complaints over the Carlos Tevez affair.