Everton could be handed a points deduction in the Premier League, after being referred to an independent commission over an alleged FFP breach.
The breach revolves around the 2021/22 season, in which they only narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship in the last couple of weeks of the campaign.
A statement from the league 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.
Advert
"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."
There is no official word from the team, who are once again battling the drop down to the Championship, and recently brought in Sean Dyche.
They were accused last season of a potential breach of the Profitability and Sustainability rules, with Leeds United and Burnley making a complaint to the Premier League.
At that time, a club spokesperson said, "We have worked closely with the Premier League to make sure we are compliant.
“We are comfortable that we have complied with the rules. External auditors have told us what we can and cannot claim against the pandemic.
“If clubs want to take legal action that’s their decision."
With the Toffees currently only two points above the relegation zone, with just 10 games left of the season, and having played more games than current 18th placed West Ham, a points deduction would likely end their chances of staying up.
That would be a worst case scenario for them, and instead they could just face a fine, if they're proved to be guilty of the financial breaches.
Topics: Everton, Football, Premier League
Ryan Sidle