Everton and Nottingham Forest have been penalized by the Premier League for allegedly breaking the profit and sustainability laws, which prohibit teams from losing more than £105 million in a three-year period.
A 10-point fine for violating Financial Fair Play regulations has already been appealed by Everton, and both teams have replied with statements on their own websites.
EVERTON AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST CHARGED
“Everton FC and Nottingham Forest FC have each confirmed to the Premier League that they are in breach of the league’s profit & sustainability rules (PSR),” according to a statement on the Premier League website. This is because, for the evaluation period ending in Season 2022–2023, losses were incurred that were greater than the allowable criteria.
“”In accordance with Premier League Rules, both cases have now been referred to the chair of the judicial panel, who will appoint separate commissions to determine the appropriate sanction. Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The proceedings are heard in private with the commissions’ final decisions made public on the Premier League’s website.”
Both clubs responded with official statements on their respective websites, with Everton stating that they were being charged for a period they have already been punished for, which previously resulted in a 10-point deduction. They are currently appealing that decision.
The club wrote: “Everton Football Club acknowledges the Premier League’s decision to refer a breach of profit & 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.”
Nottingham Forest responded by saying they would cooperate with the Premier League, saying: “Nottingham Forest acknowledges the statement from the Premier League confirming that the club has today been charged with a breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.
“The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution.”