Carlos Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian is taking his fight with West Ham to the High Court on the day that Fifa recommended that the FA take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

A writ was served this afternoon on the club's solicitors by lawyers acting on behalf of Joorabchian's companies MSI and Just Sports Inc. Joorabchian has called for the court to intervene to enable the 23-year-old Argentinian international to sign for Manchester United.

Solicitor Graham Shear of lawyers Teacher Stern Selby said in a statement: "I can confirm the companies (MSI and Just Sports Inc) have today begun High Court proceedings against West Ham.

"This afternoon a High Court writ was served on the football club's solicitors.

"The companies seek the court's intervention to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tevez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties.

"We are asking the court to intervene so that Carlos Tevez can be registered to play with Manchester United as soon as possible."

A club statement issued by West Ham tonight said: "West Ham United is led to believe that MSI and Just Sports Inc. have issued a writ against the club this evening, although we are yet to receive this officially.

"We will liaise with our lawyers and a further statement will be made when appropriate."

Fifa, world football's governing body, today said that the CAS was the best place to resolve the dispute.

"The recommendation from Fifa to the FA and the Premier League is to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren said today.

West Ham were eager for Fifa to get involved in what has become a stalemate in recent weeks, with the London club refusing to sanction the Argentina striker's proposed transfer to the Premiership champions.

Tevez is registered with West Ham, but Joorabchian claims he owns the 23-year-old's economic rights and is therefore entitled to his transfer fee.

The Premier League, however, say the Hammers own the player and therefore must receive any such fee.

Fifa came to their decision following a high level meeting with FA and Premier League officials in Zurich. Their legal team considered the case overnight.

"Under the circumstances it was felt it would be in the best interest of all parties to take this course," Herren added. "It looks like being the fastest way of resolving this matter.

"It is not a refusal by Fifa to get involved, quite the contrary. It is a recommendation by Fifa to opt for this way."