One of Nottingham Forest’s relegation rivals, Everton, have vowed to defend their position ‘robustly’ after being accused of breaching financial rules.
The alleged breach is for the period ending with the 2021-22 season, when the Toffees avoided relegation by four points. Burnley, who were relegated last season, and Leeds wrote to the league in May to question whether Everton’s reported three-year losses of £371.8million breached financial rules.
The league’s profit and financial sustainability rules allow clubs to lose a maximum £105m over a three-year period or face sanctions, which include points deductions for serious breaches. The Toffees are again fighting relegation, although a points deduction this season, if found guilty, is thought to be unlikely in the short-term. A transfer embargo, a future points deduction or a fine are among the potential punishments.
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Everton have released the following statement: “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 club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
The Premier League announcement has been slammed by some Everton fans, who have taken to social media to air their disgust.
One fumed: “What is it with Everton? They want us gone and will do everything in their power to make this happen.”
Another claimed: “One rule for Everton and different rules for the likes of Man City.” A third asked: “Oh right, and how's the Man City case coming along?”
Meanwhile, Forest fans have also weighed into the saga, with one saying: “Unlikely to affect anything this season, more likely next. It’s on our own hands COYRs!”
Another added: “Forest need to take care not to fall into this trap.”
A third declared: “Hopefully Everton get relegated to the Championship and then get a points deduction that keeps them there for another year. They then kick off the new season still in the championship with an impressive shiny brand new elite stadium.”
Which three teams will go down? Have your say in the comments section
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