Sheffield United have stepped up their dispute with the Premier League by refusing to relinquish the club's share in the League following their controversial relegation.
The Blades are continuing to battle against the perceived injustice of an independent commission's decision not to impose a points deduction on West Ham despite irregularities in the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
United have already succeeded in convincing the Premier League to establish an arbitration tribunal to address the ongoing dispute, even if the League is adamant that at no point was Tevez ineligible to play for The Hammers as he orchestrated their unlikely survival.
Now the Yorkshire club have continued their protest at their demotion by refusing to give up their share in the League, at least until the arbitration panel rules on the Tevez controversy that is threatening to seriously disrupt preparations for next season.
"Sheffield United has confirmed that it has refused a request by the Premier League to deliver up its share in the Premier League," read a statement on the club's official website.
"All Premier League clubs are entitled to a share in the League itself, and Sheffield United's position is that until the arbitration looking into the Tevez matter is resolved, it remains a Premiership club.
"The club believes if it gives up its share the Premier League cannot be guaranteed to fulfil its promise to return the share should the arbitration reinstate Sheffield United to the Premier League."
CKeer
Give up la, Blades. Seriously. Like wad Morurinho did: Keep your chins up.