Premier League rivals of Aston Villa and Wolves facing points deduction and transfer ban after an ‘alleged financial rule breach’

Everton have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Wolves’ Premier League relegation rivals Everton have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.

The alleged breach occurred last season as the Toffees avoided relegation in their penultimate game, as Watford, Norwich City and Burnley were relegated to the Championship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules state that clubs are only allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over three years. Everton reported combined losses of £371.8 million over a three-year period ending in 2021/22.

A Premier League statement read: “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.

“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.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Everton are just one point behind Wolves in the table, with nine teams facing the realistic prospect of relegation. Aston Villa have moved clear of the bottom nine teams in recent weeks after some strong form under Unai Emery.

Villa beat the Toffees 2-0 last month while Wolves welcome the Merseyside outfit to Molineux in the penultimate game of the season.

Everton could be handed a points deduction, a transfer embargo or be given a strict budget that they must adhere to if found guilty of breaching Premier League rules.

Everton expressed their disappointment over the referral to an independent commission and say they are “prepared to robustly defend its position.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A club statement read: “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.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.