The Premier League has referred Everton for an alleged financial breach of their sustainability rules. The evaluation period for which Everton has been charged spans four seasons, beginning in 2018/19 and ending in 2021/22. Everton is only the second Premier League club to be accused of breaking financial rules, following Manchester City last month. Over the last three years, the Merseysiders have lost £371.8 million. Premier League rules allow clubs to lose up to £105 million over three years. Teams who violate the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules may face fines or point deductions.
“The club vehemently denies the claim of noncompliance and is absolutely satisfied, along with its independent team of professionals, that it is in full compliance with all financial rules and regulations,” the club said in a statement. “Everton is poised to make a strong case in front of the commission. Over the years, the club has provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner, and it has intentionally determined to behave in good faith at all times.”
The Premier League has reported the alleged infraction to Murray Rosen KC, the Premier League Judicial Panel’s head. Rosen will form the independent commission with a three-member panel. These members may be chosen from among the Judicial Panel’s 15 members, but they may also be non-members. The commission will hear arguments from both sides behind closed doors. Its decision will be made public on the Premier League website.
The Premier League or Everton could both appeal the verdict. If there was an appeal, Rosen would appoint an appeal panel made up of new people. There are presently six members on the Premier League Appeal Panel. Clubs have been entitled to deduct expenditures incurred as a result of the epidemic; Everton indicated in their most recent reports that the pandemic was responsible for £170 million of their losses.
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