And PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor believes West Ham got off with a huge fine because of their predicament at the bottom of the Premiership.

The Hammers avoided a more serious sanction at an independent commission hearing in London.

The hearing, which considered Premier League charges relating to the signings of Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, ordered the Hammers to pay $13.5 million.

The east London side, currently in the Premiership's bottom three, could have been deducted points for the offences.

That would have virtually ensured West Ham were relegated - sparking an escape clause for Socceroo Neill to leave the club at the end of the season.

And Professional Footballers' Association boss Taylor believes their league position counted in their favour in terms of the punishment.

He explained: "If West Ham were in a comfortable mid-table position I think there would have been points deducted as a deterrent for the future.

"But I think with a relegation battle blowing up it's fair justice and something West Ham will be relieved about - particularly if they stay up.

"Fans of other clubs may not be [happy with the verdict] but if you need to stay in a division because another club has been deducted points it's not the sporting ethos you would want.

"I can't believe anyone would want to stay up that way."

Bury were kicked out of this season's FA Cup for playing an ineligible player in an FA Cup second round match against Preston.

And Taylor observed: "A small club like Bury were thrown out of the FA Cup for playing an ineligible player.

"The same approach could have been adopted here if things aren't done properly - in accordance with the rules - so I am sure West Ham are breathing a huge sigh of relief."

But he added: "In fairness to the Premier League I'd say this (punishment) is realistic.

"West Ham have not got off lightly because it's a massive fine but people would say it (the fine) would have to be that size if there is not a points deduction."

And Taylor believes all clubs should learn from the episode.

He explained: "When West Ham signed the two players from South America there were big questions raised and there is no smoke without fire - it looked very dodgy.

"You've got to be careful about the possibility of malpractice.

"You don't want individuals owning players, hawking them round the world and taking money out of the game."