Everton have now been charged by the Premier League for allegedly breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules – with Leeds playing a part.
What’s the story?
Well – according to the Guardian – it was Leeds who ignited the investigation into Everton‘s finances after writing to the Premier League.
Burnley are also said to have written to the Premier League to complain about the Toffees, in what was a joint letter signed off by Leeds Chief Executive Angus Kinnear and Alan Pace, the Chairman at Turf Moor.
Leeds and Burnley are said to have kickstarted a 10-month investigation into Everton’s finances, with the Premier League now choosing to charge those at Goodison Park for alleged wrongdoing.
The Guardian state that Everton recorded losses of £371.8m across the past three years, with Premier League rules stating that clubs are only allowed to lose a maximum of £105m in that timeframe.
Those who break the Premier League’s financial rules face a fine or even a points deduction.
The latter outcome would be disastrous for Everton in the current circumstances – the Toffees currently find themselves 15th in the Premier League, just two points above the bottom three on 26 points.
Leeds will hope for Everton points deduction
In our view, Leeds will surely be hoping for Everton to have the book thrown at them.
The Premier League relegation battle is incredibly tight, with Leeds also sitting on 26 points – remarkably, only four points separate Crystal Palace in 12th and Southampton in 20th.
Therefore, if Everton are slapped with a points deduction, it could see them become favourites for the drop, something those at Elland Road will surely welcome for selfish reasons.
The fact Leeds are competing with Everton down the bottom of the Premier League – which was also the case last season – is surely part of the reason why those in Yorkshire wrote the letter in the first place.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as Everton now find themselves referred to an independent panel who will decide their fate.
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