City counting cost of Stewart cash fight

The Scot joined the Bantams in the summer of 2011, but the move did not work out and he played just 15 times for the Yorkshire club.

It was believed at the time of Stewart’s arrival that he was a free transfer due to being out of contract.

However, Falkirk insisted they were due compensation because the player had come up through their Academy.

The matter was taken to FIFA, who found in the Scottish club’s favour a year ago and ordered Bradford to pay 250,000 euros (around £211,000). City appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

The result finally came back yesterday after several delays and while the payment has been reduced to 185,000 euros (around £154,000), Bradford are still significantly out of pocket.

Club officials estimate that, with legal costs factored in, the transfer will cost the League One outfit around £195,000.

City director David Baldwin said: “Obviously, we are disappointed. We felt we had a strong enough case to overturn it.

“Clearly that was not the position and we have to respect the court’s decision. We move on, though – at least we have a 65,000 euros reduction.”

Bradford’s contribution to court costs was also reduced by 20 per cent, following yesterday’s judement. Stewart returned to Scotland in the summer of 2012.

Meanwhile, Peter Taylor returns to Valley Parade for the first time since he left the club by mutual consent in 2011. He said: “I only had a year there and I left them in exactly the same position as I took over.”