Everton are exploring legal options against the Premier League after Chelsea received no sporting sanctions for undisclosed payments, unlike the points deductions imposed on Everton and Nottingham Forest for financial breaches. The Merseyside club plans to write to the Premier League demanding a formal explanation for the perceived leniency.
Chelsea were fined £10.75m and given a suspended transfer ban last week for reporting £47.5m in hidden payments to agents and players over seven years. Several top-flight clubs have contacted Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and chair Alison Brittain seeking clarity on the settlement terms.
Everton feel particularly aggrieved as they were docked eight points during the 2023-24 season for two separate breaches of profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR). Nottingham Forest, who lost four points for a PSR breach, have held talks with Everton about jointly challenging the Premier League but have not yet made a firm decision.
There are concerns that the Chelsea decision could set a precedent before the verdict on Manchester City's 115 charges of financial breaches. Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool have reserved the right to sue for compensation if City are found guilty.
The Premier League has justified Chelsea's punishment by stating it would have been unable to secure a conviction without the club's cooperation. Chelsea's current owners, Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, reported the offences, which involved 36 undisclosed payments between 2011 and 2018, including deals for players like Eden Hazard. The new owners received a £150m discount from the sale price to cover related liabilities.
