Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and chairwoman Alison Brittain have denied allegations of compromising the integrity of the independent commission responsible for docking Everton ten points.
The league defended their sanctions on the Toffees and emphasised its fairness for clubs adhering to the rules.
In a letter revealed by the Times, the Premier League addressed the complexities surrounding Manchester City’s alleged breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
They also clarified that their case couldn’t be heard before Everton’s, despite the earlier charge against them.
The league claimed the conduct of six clubs seeking to join a European Super League (ESL) in April 2021 was regrettable but different from Everton’s spending rule breach.
The Premier League argued that no sporting advantage was gained, and the situation died off within a few days.
This response comes in light of a letter from prominent Everton supporters Mark Carney, Sir Brendan Barber and Dame Sue Owen, denouncing Everton’s points deduction as draconian. Everton’s punishment is currently under appeal.
The Premier League’s letter predates a recent inquiry from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) that alleged a lack of transparency in calculating Everton’s ten-point deduction.
Everton were reportedly informed two months before the hearing about the board’s view on the appropriate sanction.
Concerning Man City’s outstanding charges, the league emphasised the complexity of the case and the importance of resolving rule breaches promptly for the benefit of fans, stakeholders and other clubs.
The letter dismisses comparisons between Everton’s case and the conduct of the six ESL clubs, asserting that PSRs are a longstanding and transparent financial control applicable to all clubs annually.
The crux of the fallout revolves around the fairness of the sporting sanction. Everton have branded the ten-point deduction as disproportionate and unfair.
The Premier League contends that a breach of PSR confers a sporting advantage, justifying the points deduction.
