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Everton’s bid to stay in the Premier League could about to become significantly trickier as a potential point deduction looms over their head after being referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over a suspected breach of financial fair play rules.
The announcement comes after an audit of the financial records of all Premier League clubs from the 2021/22 season. Under current rules, Premier League clubs aren’t allowed to lose more than £105 over a three-year period. Everton have posted financial losses regularly in recent times which puts them in a potentially precarious position.
If the independent commission finds that the Merseyside club has breached financial fair plays rules then several possible sanctions will be on the table, from a fine to a hefty points deduction. If the club is deducted points, and it comes into force before the end of the current season, then their relegation fate could well be sealed.
The statement from the Premier League reads:
“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred an alleged breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules by Everton Football Club to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4. The assessment period for which it is alleged that the Club is in breach is the period ending Season 2021/22.
The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website. The League will be making no further comment until that time.”
The Premier League's charge against Everton for breaching profit + sustainability rules is potentially serious.
– only 2nd time (after Man City) that such charges have been brought
– sanction could include points deduction
– important test case for the Premier League
1/2— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 24, 2023
Everton “disappointed” with the decision
It didn’t take long for the club to respond, publishing a statement out of their own stating that they were disappointed with the Premier League’s decision to refer them to an independent panel and they were prepared to defend themselves. The statement read:
“Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision to refer an allegation of a breach of Profit & Sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review.
The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations. Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission.
The club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.”
The decision to refer Everton comes a year after executives at Leeds United and Burnley sent a letter to the Premier League urging them to sanction Everton after they recorded losses of £371.8m over the previous three years.
The last thing the club needs
It goes without saying that the news won’t have been received well by bosses at Everton who have had to endure a series of fan protests over their ownership throughout the season. Things escalated so far earlier in the season that owner, Farhad Moshiri was advised to stay away from Goodison Park for his own safety.
In recent times, Sean Dyche has managed to turn the fortunes of the club around on the pitch. He will be hoping that negligence at the top of the club won’t undo all of his good work since taking over from Frank Lampard.
