Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer push Aston Villa and Everton to fight 'ridiculous' Premier League rule

Aston Villa and Everton are just two of many English top-flight clubs to fall victim to the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability rules (PSR) over recent seasons, albeit in different ways.

Villa were forced to make several sales in the summer - including star midfielder Douglas Luiz and multiple young players - to avoid sanctions. Everton, meanwhile, were dealt two points deductions last campaign for breaching PSR and the Toffees are now cautiously avoiding a repeat.

Lineker and Shearer think PSR needs changing or revoking altogether as the regulations have become too overpowering. The issue was addressed when discussing how the Premier League’s elite positions can become less closed off to the so-called ‘big six’ clubs.

”Perhaps they should look at the PSR rules. They’re just restrictive,” Lineker suggested on his podcast, ‘The Rest is Football’.

“I don’t like those rules, it’s a restriction of trade,” Shearer agreed. “When you can guarantee you’ve got that money, you’re profitable and you’re sustainable, then I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to challenge and buy players.

“The particular way it’s run with clubs forced to sell their youngsters, because thats more profitable and gives more financial gain, stops better gain in the future. So I don’t agree with those rules or laws,” Shearer continued.

“It’s ridiculous really that clubs have to sell their homegrown talent because of a long-term fear of avoiding points deduction. I think they have to look at that and change something,” Lineker added.

Villa upset the apple cart last season by finishing fourth in the Premier League and in turn qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but it’s extremely rare that dark horses achieve such a feat. Newcastle United completed the same achievement a year earlier, but the Magpies have far greater financial power than Villa.

The start of the new campaign has at least provided some hope that we could see a fresh team qualify for Europe’s elite competition, with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion challenging near the top of the standings. It’s poised to be an incredibly competitive season.