Everton hit by charge over alleged breach of FFP rules

Everton have been charged with an alleged breach of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules in relation to their spending last season.

The charge came after a 10-month investigation which began after Burnley and Leeds wrote to the Premier League in May to question whether Everton had broken the rules after they recorded losses of £371.8m over the last three years.

Under Premier League rules, clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over three years – and clubs who break its profitability and sustainability rules can be fined or deducted points.

At the time of their joint letter, signed by the Leeds chief executive, Angus Kinnear, and the Burnley chairman, Alan Pace, both clubs were threatened with relegation – and both also indicated their right to make legal claims against the Premier League and Everton.

A Premier League statement confirmed that Everton had been charged under Rule W.82.1, the same rule that Manchester City are alleged to have breached.

“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,” it 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.”

Everton last night denied any wrongdoing, releasing a statement which read: “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.”