Everton 'confident' of compliance with FFP rules amid legal action threat

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 20 May 2022

Everton release a statement saying they are confident that they have complied with Financial Fair Play rules amid the threat of legal action from Premier League clubs.

Everton have released a statement saying they are confident that they have complied with Financial Fair Play rules amid the threat of legal action from Premier League clubs.

It was reported by The Times on Friday that Burnley and Leeds United had written to the Premier League to request an investigation into Everton's reported losses of £371.8m over the last three years of accounts.

Premier League rules allow teams to lose a maximum of £105m over a three-year period, although these rules have been relaxed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on finances at football clubs.

The Toffees revealed they had written off £170m of losses as a result of the pandemic in its most recent set of financial accounts, but Burnley and Leeds have asked for an independent commission to be set up to decide whether Everton have broken Premier League rules and whether they have a case to answer, whilst threatening legal action should they be found guilty.

Everton have since responded on Friday with the following statement: "We have worked closely with the Premier League to make sure we are compliant. We are comfortable we have complied with the rules.

"External auditors have told us what we can and cannot claim against the pandemic. If clubs want to take legal action that's their decision."

Frank Lampard's side confirmed their Premier League survival with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace on Thursday, leaving Burnley and Leeds to fight to avoid the final relegation spot on the final day of the season on Sunday.