EVERTON could face a huge points deduction after being charged with breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
Prem chiefs have been scouring over the Merseysiders' finances for the 2021/22 season -in which they brought a whopping 11 new faces to Goodison Park – for the last ten months.
And their books have prompted the Premier League to refer them to an independent commission for further analysis.
Everton deny any wrongdoing.
The Toffees have been charged with being in breach of Profitability & Sustainability rules – the same violation reigning English champions Manchester City are alleged to have committed.
If found guilty, they could face a catastrophic points deduction.
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A Premier League statement read: "In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred an alleged breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules by Everton Football Club to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.
"The assessment period for which it is alleged that the Club is in breach is the period ending Season 2021/22.
"Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs.
"The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
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"The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private.
"Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.
"The League will be making no further comment until that time."
Prem strugglers Everton issued a statement in which they denied any wrongdoing.
It read: "Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision to refer an allegation of a breach of Profit & Sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review.
"The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations.
"Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission.
"The Club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.
"The club will not be making any further comment at this time."
In a statement last year, a club spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with the Premier League to make sure we are complaint.
"We are comfortable that 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.”
If Everton are found guilty of the FFP charge levelled at them, a potential punishment would be a points deduction – although it's unclear whether they'd be hit with it now or next season.
In November 2021, Derby County were deducted nine points for breaching the EFL’s Profitability and Sustainability rules over the £81m sale of Pride Park.
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Everton currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League table -a mere two points above the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche's troops will be back in action a week on Monday, welcoming Champions League-chasing Tottenham to Goodison.
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