West Ham United 'accept Diafra Sakho verdict'

West Ham United have indicated that they will not be contesting FIFA's ruling regarding Diafra Sakho's Africa Cup of Nations withdrawal.

The Hammers have been fined £71,000 for fielding the Senegalese striker in their FA Cup fourth-round win over Bristol City on January 25, only 18 days after he pulled out of the ongoing tournament through injury.

Sakho scored the only goal of the game as Sam Allardyce's side booked a last-16 clash with Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion.

In response to the punishment, West Ham have released a brief statement in which they have suggested that they are ready to move on from the matter.

The statement read: "The club and the player have received the decision and will now be focusing their concentration on the game against Manchester United on Sunday."

It had been reported that West Ham, who made £90,000 in prize money by reaching the fifth round, could face expulsion from the FA Cup for Sakho's involvement at Ashton Gate.