Everton’s Premier League relegation rivals reportedly plan to sue for £300million if the Toffees survive the drop. Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Burnley have supposedly each informed the Premier League that they will be entitled to compensation if Everton remain in the top flight this season.
Back in March, Everton were charged after they published updated accounts for the 2021-22 season, showing a £313.5m loss for the previous three years. Profit and Sustainability rules allow clubs to make a loss of no more than £105m over a three-year period.
Leeds and Burnley reportedly threatened legal action against Everton a year ago over the possibility that the Merseyside outfit’s £372m losses over a three-year period breached league rules. However, the case never materialised after the Premier League provided reassurances that the club’s spending complied with rules due to allowances made for the impact of COVID-19.
However, the latest charge has apparently prompted three clubs to prepare legal action if Everton survive relegation. Leeds and Forest believe they will be owed compensation if Everton are found to have breached Profit and Sustainability rules, while Burnley could claim compensation over their relegation 12 months ago.
According to the Daily Mail, the three clubs have applied for Everton’s disciplinary hearing to be moved forward so that any potential sanctions, including a points deduction, could be applied to this season. The report adds that this request was rejected, prompting the teams to lodge legal papers with the league which make them party to the dispute.
The £300m claim would supposedly be brought forward by the two clubs who are relegated alongside Southampton.
Everton deny the charges and insist they will ‘robustly defend’ its position. In a statement back in March the club said: “We are disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision.
“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.”
Everton are 17th in the Premier League, sitting on 32 points heading into the final two games of the season. Leeds are 18th and a point behind the Toffees, with Leicester 19th on 30 points.
Nottingham Forest are 16th on 34 points. Meanwhile, Burnley comfortably secured promotion to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany, winning a remarkable 101 points in the Championship.
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