(Football news) The Premier League have referred Everton to an independent commission for alleged profit and sustainability rules from the start of 2018/19 to the end of 2021/22. The situation comes after the league had blamed Manchester City for breaking Premier League’s financial rules last month. The Merseyside club have recorded losses of £371.8m over the past three years despite the Premier League only allowing clubs to lose a maximum of £105m over three years. There can be big repercussions for breaching the league’s financial rules which could include points deduction or a significant fine. 

A statement released by the club said that they were “disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision.” It 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 and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.”

Murray Rosen KC, the chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel has been referred to by the Premier League and he will establish a three-member panel who will form the independent commission. They can be selected from the 15 members of the Judicial Panel but can also be non-members. The commission will hear representatives from both sides behind closed doors and the judgement will be published on the Premier League’s website and it can be appealed by either party after which Rosen will appoint another panel. 

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