 The signings of Mascherano and Tevez were investigated by the Premier League , who were concerned that details of the transfers had been omitted from official records . The club was found guilty and fined 5 @.@ 5 million pounds in April 2007 . However , West Ham avoided a points deduction which ultimately became critical in their avoidance of relegation at the end of the 2006 – 07 season . Following on from this event , Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan , supported by other sides facing possible relegation , including Fulham and Sheffield United , threatened legal action . West Ham escaped relegation by winning seven of their last nine games , including a 1 – 0 win over Arsenal , and on the last day of the season defeated newly crowned League Champions Manchester United 1 – 0 with a goal by Tevez to finish 15th . 
