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 02:48 EST
Comments
Robert Snodgrass joined West Brom from West Ham this month
Robert Snodgrass joined West Brom from West Ham this month (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in