Everton are on the verge of a legal battle following reports that up to four clubs are planning to sue the Toffees for breaching financial fair play laws - but it's not the first time this has happened.
On Friday, the Premier League confirmed that Everton had been handed a 10-point deduction for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules, sending shockwaves across the division.
The punishment leaves them 19th place in the table, two points adrift of safety as Sean Dyche's side prepare for a relegation battle.
In the meantime, Burnley, Leeds and Leicester have been in contact with the Premier League, asking them to investigate whether Everton broke spending rules during the pandemic.
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The trio, who suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, will reportedly follow through on their plans and sue Everton up to £300 million, while Championship outfit Southampton are also threatening legal action.
On Saturday morning, it was claimed that the Merseyside club could face a further nine-point deduction if they are unable to pay compensation to said clubs, and could be plunged into administration.
It is a worrying time for Evertonians, but fans may take some comfort from Derby County and Middlesborough's previous legal battle.
Boro launched legal proceedings into their championship rivals, claiming Derby's financial breaches cost them a play-off place during the 2018/19 campaign.
But according to the BBC, the Rams reached an "accord" with Boro owner and chairman Steve Gibson and found a "resolution" for both parties.
"The basis of that accord will remain private but details have been shared with administrators," a statement read at the time.
Everton will hope that their legal battle will end in a similar vein. However, the club's future looks bleak should they be unable to reach an agreement, with the Daily Mail stating that "they would not be willing to pay a compensation bill" should a multi-million debt land at their door.
Topics: Everton, Football, Premier League, Middlesbrough, Derby County, EFL Championship, Burnley, Leeds United, Leicester City, Southampton
Joe Adams