Everton and Nottingham Forest have been referred to an independent commission over an alleged breach of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).
Forest become the third top-flight club to be charged with a breach of the league’s financial rules after reporting losses that exceed the allowed amount over the three-year reporting cycle.
Everton, who are already appealing against a 10-point deduction relating to the 2021-22 season, have also been charged for a further alleged breach.
Under the guidelines both clubs are now at risk of a fine or a points deduction.
An Everton statement read: “Everton Football Club acknowledges the Premier League’s decision to refer a breach of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) for the assessment period ending with the 2022/23 season to an independent Premier League commission.
“This relates to a period which covers seasons 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. It therefore includes financial periods (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22) for which the club has already received a 10-point sanction. The club is currently appealing that sanction.
“The Premier League does not have guidelines which prevent a club being sanctioned for alleged breaches in financial periods which have already been subject to punishment, unlike other governing bodies, including the EFL. As a result – and because of the Premier League’s new commitment to deal with such matters “in-season” — the club is in a position where it has had no option but to submit a PSR calculation which remains subject to change, pending the outcome of the appeal.
“The club must now defend another Premier League complaint which includes the very same financial periods for which it has already been sanctioned, before that appeal has even been heard. The club takes the view that this results from a clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules.
“Everton can assure its fans that it will continue to defend its position during the ongoing appeal and, should it be required to do so, at any future commission – and that the impact on supporters will be reflected as part of that process.”
