The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Everton’s relegation rivals are reportedly pushing for the Premier League to take action against the club this season if they are found guilty of alleged breaches of its spending rules.
In March, Everton became just the second Premier League club to be charged with breaking financial rules after Manchester City were hit with an astonishing 101 charges covering a nine-year period in February and the Toffees were referred to an independent commission.
The club immediately vowed to ‘robustly defend’ themselves against the charges and claimed they are ‘entirely confident’ they have complied with financial rules.
Their accounts ending June 2022 – which effectively covers last season – were released last month and showed a £44.7million loss.
It was originally thought any punishment was unlikely to affect their battle for survival under Sean Dyche this season due to the speed of the disciplinary process. If found guilty the club could face significant sporting sanctions in addition to a large fine, such as a points deduction, transfer embargo or being forced to comply with strict spending controls.
Everton’s relegation rivals are reportedly pushing for the Premier League to take action against the club this season if they are found guilty of alleged breaches of its spending rules
They were referred to an independent commission in March after being charged by the Premier League
However, according to The Athletic, Everton’s rivals at the bottom of the table are putting pressure on the top flight to take action against the club this season.
The report states their rivals are desperate for the Premier League to act as they know a points deduction would likely relegate the Toffees and save themselves.
The Toffees are teetering above the relegation zone after Saturday’s dismal 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park.
They are only ahead of Nottingham Forest in 18th on goal difference, two points clear of Leicester and four clear of Southampton.
It is not the first time the Premier League have been pressured to take action against Everton for financial breaches.
Burnley and Leeds sent a legal letter to the Premier League before the final games of the season in May questioning whether Everton had broken the rules, which limit losses to £105m over three years, but they were signed off by the top-flight’s legal department the following month as a result of allowances due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The threatened £200m legal action never materialised.
With no precedent for such action, it remains to be seen what happens with The Athletic also reporting that unless Everton admit the charges – something they are extremely unlikely to do given their public statements so far – a decision is unlikely to be reached before the end of the season.
Speaking in the club’s latest accounts, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright was steadfast in his belief they had done nothing wrong.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright insisted the club has nothing to be afraid of with the charges
Any potential points deduction would likely condemn Sean Dyche’s battling side to relegation
He said: ‘The club is confident it remains compliant with all of the Premier League’s financial rules and regulations and has always provided information to them in an open and transparent manner.
‘That the club has always acted in good faith simply intensifies the disappointment experienced at last week’s news.’
The Premier League have said they will not be commenting until the outcome of the case is decided.
Everton return to action next Saturday with a trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
