Everton could face a nightmare points deduction after an alleged financial fair play breach.
The Premier League have refereed the Toffees to an independent commission over the alleged breach, which is said to have occurred during the 2021/22 season, which ended with the club finishing 16th. According to The Athletic, it comes following an official complaint to the Premier League from both Leeds United and Burnley.
Premier League rules state that clubs cannot make losses of more than £105million over a three year period, with any breach of the Profitability and Sustainability rules punishable by a fine or a potential points deduction.
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A statement from the league released on Friday read: "In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred an alleged breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules by Everton Football Club to a commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.
"The assessment period for which it is alleged that the club is in breach is the period ending season 2021/22.
"Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
"The proceedings before the commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private.
"Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website. The League will be making no further comment until that time."
Everton have since responded to the news with their own statement, in which the club expressed their disappointed with the Premier League's decision.
A club statement read: "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.
"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."
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