The Premier League is looking into the 'agreement' between West Ham and West Brom which prevented Robert Snodgrass from playing on Tuesday night.
Snodgrass joined West Brom from the Hammers a fortnight ago and played in their 3-2 win at Wolves at the weekend.
But it emerged prior to kick-off that West Ham and Albion had agreed that the Scottish midfielder would not face his former side at the London Stadium.
Sam Allardyce has confirmed Robert Snodgrass is unavailable to play in tonight's game owing to the agreement reached with West Ham to sign the player.#WHUWBA | #WBA pic.twitter.com/kS57KSXzRX
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 19, 2021
Snodgrass instead watched on from the stands as his new club were beaten 2-1.
But Premier League rules state that "no club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teams in league matches".
The PA news agency understands the governing body will now speak to both clubs regarding the issue.
Baggies boss Sam Allardyce told BT Sport before the match: "That was an agreement between the clubs that this game he would not be allowed to play. We could only get the deal done with that agreement."
But when quizzed afterwards Allardyce was a little more guarded. "I can't answer that," he said.
"I'll have to wait and see before I answer anything that might cause me, West Ham or anybody else any trouble, I'll wait to see what the Premier League say.
"I've got bigger things to worry about than what the Premier League thinks. The players played their best today. Whether Robert Snodgrass played or not it wouldn't have had any hand in the two goals we conceded today."
West Ham manager David Moyes added: "I don't think it is any of my business. I am not sure it is any of yours, to be honest. The Premier League have to do what they have to do.
"Robert Snodgrass is a very good player, we will miss him a lot. We sent him with our best wishes, we did not take any fee for him because we have so much respect for him and what he has done here."
