The Premier League have released a statement after referring Everton to an independent commission for an "alleged breach" of profit and sustainability rules.
The full statement 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.
"Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
READ MORE: Everton release statement after Premier League accuse club of breach of financial rules
"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."
Everton have been contacted for comment.
The Blues' annual accounts for the 2021/22 season are due to be made public next week.
Everton's last released accounts, for the 2020-21 season, showed a loss of £120.9m. Around that time there was speculation that the club could be in breach of profit and sustainability rules. However, the Blues were insistent they would be compliant.
The speculation came against the backdrop of a desperate fight for Premier League survival on the pitch. Frank Lampard's team did manage to beat the drop after they beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in dramatic fashion in what was their final home game of the campaign.
This season, Everton, once again, find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. Now under the command of Sean Dyche, who took over from the sacked Frank Lampard in January, the Blues are currently 15th the Premier League and two points above the relegation spots.
Earlier today we reported how the Everton Shareholders Association has spoken of its disappointment at the club’s decision not to reinstate Annual General Meetings.
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