(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Everton and Burnley legal battle ongoing as ‘surprising’ situation revealed

James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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Everton’s legal battle with Burnley appears to still be ongoing despite a lack of updates around the situation in recent months. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it’s “surprising” neither club mentioned the case in their latest accounts. 

Burnley were one of five clubs to apply for compensation alongside Leeds United, Leicester City, Southampton and Nottingham Forest after Everton were charged with a profit and sustainability (PSR) breach for 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

It was previously revealed Burnley were suing the Toffees for £50million, with a three-week case understood to have taken place last October. 

While Everton could have settled the matter with Burnley, there is so far no indication the situation has been resolved. 

What 'noises' are coming out about Everton and Burnley's case

Burnley claimed they missed out on extra revenue following their relegation from the Premier League in 2021-22 – one of the seasons where Everton were found to have breached the PSR rules. 

The Clarets finished third-bottom and four points behind the Merseysiders in that campaign. 

Financial Metrics2023-242024-25
Turnover£187m£197m
Wage Bill£157m£152m
Wage To Turnover81%74%
Total Losses£53m£9m
Everton’s financial results for the past two seasons

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed where the case between Everton and Burnley could be at. 

“It is one that could be settled between the parties,” said Borson. 

“I don't think it has been. Eventually, we will find out how it's been decided and what happens next. We will probably get the decision because it doesn't look like they've been able to settle it. 

“We think from the sort of noises that we've heard that there was actually a hearing. Again, if there was a hearing, it makes it more likely that we're going to have a decision rather than they'll settle it. If you were going to settle it, you would try and settle it before.” 

How 'surprising' Everton and Burnley situation has emerged

Borson insisted he believes the case is still ongoing due to the lack of updates from either party. 

“It's not mentioned in either company's accounts, which is slightly surprising in some ways,” said Borson. 

“It's not mentioned at all. As I say, it's not gone, as I understand it. It's still live and we await the decision. 

Everton owner Dan Friedkin
Everton have been in a legal battle with Burnley over their historic PSR issues (Credit: Imago)

“It will be a very interesting read. It has a lot of implications in terms of the way that they deal with causation, and how we look to calculate what might happen in other cases where compensation might be payable. But as of yet, we don't have a decision.” 

Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League on their return to the top flight this season, while Everton currently sit 10th in the table. 

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