Premier League investigating Robert Snodgrass ‘agreement’ between West Brom and West Ham

The Scottish midfielder joined the Baggies from the Hammers earlier this month

Andy Sims
Wednesday 20 January 2021 07:48 GMT
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Robert Snodgrass joined West Brom from West Ham this month
Robert Snodgrass joined West Brom from West Ham this month (Getty)

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The Premier League is investigating an “agreement” for Robert Snodgrass to not play for West Brom against former club West Ham in what could constitute a breach of transfer regulations.

The 33-year-old midfielder left the Hammers on 8 January and made his Baggies debut for Sam Allardyce's side in the 3-2 victory over Wolves last Saturday.

But it emerged before West Brom’s 2-1 loss to West Ham that the Scot would sit out the game at the London Stadium.

READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table — all matches by date and kick-off time

But Premier League rules state that "no club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teams in league matches".

The PA news agency understands the governing body will now speak to both clubs regarding the issue.

Baggies boss Sam Allardyce told BT Sport before the match: "That was an agreement between the clubs that this game he would not be allowed to play. We could only get the deal done with that agreement."

But when quizzed afterwards Allardyce was a little more guarded. "I can't answer that," he said.

"I'll have to wait and see before I answer anything that might cause me, West Ham or anybody else any trouble, I'll wait to see what the Premier League say.

"I've got bigger things to worry about than what the Premier League thinks. The players played their best today. Whether Robert Snodgrass played or not it wouldn't have had any hand in the two goals we conceded today."

West Ham manager David Moyes added: "I don't think it is any of my business. I am not sure it is any of yours, to be honest. The Premier League have to do what they have to do.

"Robert Snodgrass is a very good player, we will miss him a lot. We sent him with our best wishes, we did not take any fee for him because we have so much respect for him and what he has done here."

PA

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