Everton have been charged by the Premier League for an alleged breach of financial fair play rules following a 10-month investigation into the club’s transfer spending.
Rules stipulate that clubs can lose a maximum of £105m across three years but last May Burnley and Leeds United wrote a joined letter to question whether rules had been breached.
Everton have recorded losses of £372m in the past three years, citing the coronavirus as a key reason, but the complaint from Burnley and Leeds prompted the Premier League to investigate. And they have now been charged with an alleged breached of the same rules champions Manchester City were charged with last month.
Everton have denied any wrongdoing and said they will “strongly contest” the charge. If found guilty they could be fined or face a significant points deduction. An independent commission will evaluate the charges before making a decision.
“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,” a league statement said.
“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.”
Sean Dyche’s team are 15th in the Premier League table, two points clear of the relegation zone, but have shown an improvement in performances and have earned five points from the past nine available.
“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,” a club spokesperson said.
“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 club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
