The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, has told MPs that an independent committee will hear Premier League financial charges against Manchester City.
Masters would not specify the date, but stated that the issue was “progressing” and that all top-flight clubs were handled similarly under league rules.
Everton might face two point deductions for violating the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) before the Manchester City case is resolved, despite the fact that charges were filed in the City case in February of last year.
Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/iFgMCpsR5G
— Everton (@Everton) January 15, 2024
Nottingham Forest, like Everton, faces a fine after being referred to an independent panel over PSR on Monday. Julie Clarke, a member of the Toffees’ fan advisory board, sat directly behind Masters during Tuesday morning’s hearing of the Culture, Media, and Sport (CMS) committee while wearing an Everton shirt.
When MPs questioned Masters if he could understand fans’ dissatisfaction with the various timeframes of these financial cases, he replied: “They are quite distinct charges, that’s all I would say.
Club statement
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 6, 2023
“If any club, current champions or not, had been found in breach of the spending rules for year 23, they would be in exactly the same position as Everton or Nottingham Forest, but the volume and nature of the charges laid before Manchester City – which I obviously cannot discuss – are being heard in a completely different environment.”
“There is a date set for that proceeding, unfortunately I can’t tell you when that is, but that is progressing.”
City was charged with more than 100 rule violations last year, following a probe that the Premier League says began in December 2018.
Manchester City declined to comment following Masters’ statements, but at the time the charges were lodged, the club stated that it welcomed an independent commission to evaluate the matter “to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position”.
“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all,” the city stated.
The Premier League refuses to comment on whether the commission will evaluate it this year, but it is known to be the case. It is unclear how many days the commission has scheduled aside for the proceedings. The commission determines the timing for the proceedings in this instance.
When asked about the guidelines, Masters told the committee, “We take our rulebook very seriously.” It is a handshake between all 20 clubs. All clubs look each other in the eyes and say, “We will comply with these rules,” and they expect the (Premier League) board to take action if they fail to comply.
“We must strike a balance between Everton’s importance as a Premier League regular and the other 19 clubs and their supporter groups.
“I do not think it is messy. It’s a solemn obligation; nobody enjoys enforcing financial regulations. These restrictions were implemented in 2013-14 with the particular goal of ensuring that unsustainable expenditure did not go too far.
Masters said new measures were being considered to bring the Premier League in conformity with UEFA’s financial sustainability criteria. The European governing body is implementing a system in which clubs cannot have squad costs greater than 70% of income.
However, Masters stated that the present PSR would remain in place for at least this season and next.
He also stated that his organisation was “still investigating” Chelsea following the club’s new leadership self-reported facts about the Blues’ financial practices under former owner Roman Abramovich.
Masters was also questioned whether the league will approve the Everton buyout by American investment firm 777 Partners.
“As soon as we have completed the process; however, some processes take weeks. Some will take much longer if we haven’t received adequate answers to the questions we’ve asked,” he explained.
Leave a Reply