Everton ‘have a case’ against Premier League as legal action considered over Chelsea sanction
Everton have a case against the Premier League if they decide to take legal action following Chelsea’s sanction.
That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider the Toffees have an argument they have been treated differently to the Blues.
Chelsea received a £10million fine and a suspended transfer ban after admitting to making £47m worth of secret payments to agents and third-parties linked to deals between 2011 and 2018 when Roman Abramovich was in charge.
However, the London giants avoided a sporting sanction despite suggestions a points deduction was a realistic possibility.
Everton were previously deducted eight points in the 2023-24 season for two separate profit and sustainability (PSR) breaches, resulting in them almost losing their top-flight status.
Why Everton should seek better legal advice
The Guardian reported on Wednesday (25 March) Everton are exploring a legal challenge against the Premier League over its handling of the Chelsea situation.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest officials are believed to have held talks with the Toffees about joining forces after they were previously deduced four points for breaching the PSR rules.
However, it is understood the two clubs will initially write to the Premier League requesting a formal explanation for Chelsea’s sanction and the process behind it.
| Club | Sanction |
| Everton | -6 points |
| Everton | -2 points |
| Nottingham Forest | -4 points |
| Leicester City | -6 points |
| Chelsea | £10m fine |
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness discussed the possibility of Everton taking legal action.
“Everton do have a case, but we’re jumping a little bit too quickly to say it’s going to go legal,” said Wyness.
“Now, first of all, it would be right to request an explanation from the Premier League, and then a decision would be taken after that.
“For me, the important element would be who Everton are taking legal advice from. They may not have had the best legal advice in the previous situation with the points deduction.
“It would be important as to who they pick for that and to review what they receive from the Premier League.”
How Chelsea sanction could be linked to Man City 115 charges
Wyness suggested the Premier League could be trying to de-escalate matters following Everton and Forest’s previous points deductions.
“Obviously, the best headline is to say it’s going to go legal, but we’re not there yet, and it may not get there yet,” said Wyness.
“But I believe there is a case that they have been treated differently, and Chelsea have been treated differently.
“I still believe that this is a signal towards trying to de-escalate things before the Manchester City announcement.”
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Man City will use the Chelsea argument to avoid landing a sporting penalty in their ongoing 115 charges case.
Pep Guardiola’s side were dealt the charges by the Premier League in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
An independent commission hearing started in September 2024 and ended in December that same year, with the panel still considering its verdict.