On December 11th, West Ham United's owners Straumer will find out if the courts will give them more time to sort out their debts. The Hammers could potentially be plunged into administration and docked nine points if the decision goes against them in an Icelandic court.

Company spokesman Georg Andersen insisted: "Yes, there is a hearing on December 11, but we anticipate that that the court will grant further time for matters to be resolved."