Everton, which currently finds itself in the midst of a relegation battle with only 32 points from 36 games, is under threat of being sued for £300 million by five English clubs if it manages to stay in the Premier League for the next season. In light of a series of poor on-field performances, it appears that a significant off-field challenge is looming over this Merseyside-based team.
Daily Mail has reported that Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Leeds United, and Burnley have informed the Premier League that Everon should provide compensation if they are found guilty of breaking spending rules.
These same five English clubs have also made a request for a swift resolution of Everton’s disciplinary proceedings.
Back in March 2021, Everton was referred to an unbiased panel for allegedly violating the Premier League’s financial rules on profitability and sustainability. Everton was the second club to be charged for allegedly breaking the Premier League’s financial rules. Earlier, Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, were accused of violating the same rules.
Everton had allegedly incurred losses worth £371.8 million over the last three years. It is worth noting that the Premier League allows clubs to record losses of a maximum of £105 million over a period of three years. Until now, there has been no official verdict in the case. Clubs that breach the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) norms face penalties such as point deductions or fines.
“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 replied to the charges in a formal statement.
Aside from its financial struggles, Everton is currently only one point ahead of 18th-placed Leeds United in the Premier League standings. Everton has never been relegated in the 29 years since the Premier League’s inception in 1992. On Saturday, Everton will face Wolves in the Premier League. Sean Dyche’s team will be hoping to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to table-toppers Manchester City.