Karren Brady invokes West ham precedent in Man City compensation debate
Karren Brady has used West Ham United as an example after Manchester City breached Premier League rules.
The former vice-chairwoman of the Hammers stepped down from her role before the club's relegation from the Premier League earlier this year.
She joined the Irons in 2010 after David Sullivan and David Gold took control of the club.
Brady's departure in April this year brought an end to a 16-year stay at West Ham, with many fans glad to see the back of her.
She has now been speaking about Man City, who have been found guilty of breaching financial rules in the Premier League.
Many are wondering which teams could be owed what by the Citizens, as Brady uses West Ham in the compensation debate.
Karren Brady uses £5.5m West Ham fine in Manchester City compensation debate
There are suggestions that Man City could be thrown out of the Premier League or docked a huge amount of points that would see them relegated.
The Premier League have stated that the club have been found guilty of creating £900million in "sham" contracts, which could have further implications for a possible punishment.
However, there are also suggestions that Man City may have to pay out other teams who have suffered a negative financial knock-on effect because of Man City's illegal spending.
Some West Ham supporters may even be wondering if the Hammers could be owed something when it's all said and done.
Writing in her column for The Sun on Wednesday, Brady pointed to the Carlos Tevez situation at West Ham, which led to the Hammers having to pay £20m in compensation to Sheffield United later on, who were relegated.
She wrote: "West Ham were fined £5.5m over the registration arrangements involving Tevez and Javier Mascherano. They were not docked points and avoided relegation, while Sheffield United went down in 2007.
"Punishment and compensation are two different things. That matters because if another club can demonstrate it suffered a direct financial loss as a result of City’s conduct, why should that question disappear?"
Man City's case will open up a can of worms in the Premier League, as teams will feel they have been robbed of domestic success, with other arguments to claim where the breaches have impacted their own financial incomings.
But would West Ham have any grounds to make a claim?
Could West Ham make their own claim against Man City?
Man City's process with the Premier League is still ongoing, and with appeals, it could take a while before a final outcome is reached.
If their appeals fail, figures at the Etihad Stadium may expect several clubs to try their luck and win some money.
West Ham have one clear example of potentially losing out financially because of Man City's illegal spending, as the sides met in the 2013-14 League Cup semi-final.
The Hammers lost over the two legs, but they could argue that progressing to the final would have generated gate receipts, broadcasting revenue and prize money.
But this would most likely prove difficult to turn into a compensation claim.
As Brady says, compensation and punishment are two different things, and claims would require a separate process from the Premier League's disciplinary proceedings.