Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has hit out at the Premier League after Everton were charged with breaching profit and sustainability rules.
The Toffees have already been hit with a 10-point deduction this season for being guilty of breaking spending regulations in the 2021-22 season. That decision is currently in the appeal process
Premier League clubs are permitted to lose a total of £105 million over three years, and there is a claim of double jeopardy because the prior and new charges overlap.
Mr Rotherham has been a staunch Everton supporter, believing that the ‘punishment does not suit the crime’. He wrote on X (previously Twitter): “The Premier League’s announcement today means that Everton Football Club might face sanctions twice in the same season for suspected breaches that occurred during the same time period.
“In short, the club is in double jeopardy.” So far, I’ve supported Everton’s appeal because I’m concerned about the process’s transparency and the harshness of the penalty imposed. The punishment does not fit the crime.
“It is not about one club, but about keeping our game open and fair to all clubs. It is difficult to see how anybody can have any confidence in a process as opaque as this.
“Unlike the EFL and other sporting leagues across the world, the Premier League has not created a structure for sanctions. Until this is addressed, the fairness and transparency of the entire process will be put into doubt.”
Mr Rotherham and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Everton supporter, visited with fans before Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, Dame Sue Owen, and Sir Brendan Barber have all written to the Premier League to express their concerns about the Blues’ treatment.
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