Everton faced an unexpected ten-point deduction due to a singular breach of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules centered around profit and sustainability.
This marks the first instance in the Premier League of points being docked for violating FFP regulations.
Concerns have arisen regarding both Chelsea and Manchester City, with City dealing with a significant number of 115 FFP breach charges brought by the Premier League in the previous season. They’ve vehemently defended their innocence, initiating a substantial legal defense to challenge the Premier League’s actions.
Chelsea, on the other hand, faces scrutiny over payments linked to their former owner, Roman Abramovich. Legal expert Stefan Borson suggests that both clubs might face the severe consequence of potential relegation from the top flight.
Borson’s tweets indicate surprise at Everton’s harsh penalty and speculate on the implications for City and Chelsea, especially if proven guilty, potentially leading to relegation. He notes that Chelsea’s strategy of considering fines as a cost of business needs immediate reconsideration, particularly in light of leaked documents revealing potential rule breaches by Abramovich.
Manchester City underwent a four-year investigation into their finances and faced allegations of non-cooperation, including failing to disclose the true source of revenues and concealing payments related to their former manager, Roberto Mancini.
In Chelsea’s case, they were fined by UEFA for FFP breaches during Abramovich’s tenure, with ongoing scrutiny by the Premier League for potential rule violations between 2012 and 2019. Leaked documents hint at off-the-books funds, potentially leading to further penalties.
However, if found guilty, Chelsea might face fines rather than a points deduction, as the payments in question don’t directly relate to FFP regulations. Chelsea’s extravagant spending spree, surpassing £1 billion in new transfers in three windows since the club’s acquisition last year, has drawn attention to their financial activities.