A number of Premier League clubs have made their frustrations clear over Everton's financial charges after a change of stance from the authorities, it has been claimed.
The relegation-threatened Toffees could face a points deduction in relation to alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations. The Merseyside club plan to "strongly contest" the charges, which they deny, with an independent commission due to determine their punishment.
Everton sit 15th in the table after drawing with Chelsea in their last game, but are just two points clear of the relegation zone. A points penalty could be devastating for Sean Dyche's side, but the timing of the news doesn't appear to have sat well with rivals.
According to The Mail on Sunday, a Premier League shareholders meeting in March 2022 saw clubs told Everton had no case to answer. The same report claims some clubs are wondering whether the timing of the charges is politically motivated, with Premier League chief Richard Masters due in front of a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday.
After a letter from Burnley and Leeds in May of last year, an investigation into Everton was opened. Regardless, they were permitted to make signings in the following window, with former manager Frank Lampard bringing in several players at a combined cost of more than £80m.
The likes of Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil and James Garner all moved to Goodison Park, though forward Richarlison was sold to Spurs in a £60m deal. Everton made no new signings in January, with Dyche replacing Lampard before the end of the transfer window.
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"Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision to refer an allegation of a breach of Profit & Sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review," Everton said in a statement after news of the alleged breach was made public.
"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. The Club will not be making any further comment at this time."
With the international break ongoing, Everton are not due back in domestic action until April. Dyche's side face Tottenham at Goodison Park on April 3, followed by a trip to Old Trafford where they take on a Manchester United side who have already beaten them in the league and FA Cup this season.
