Exclusive: Premier League chiefs ‘concerned’ after Everton and Burnley legal update
Premier League club chiefs are “concerned” about the increasing levels of litigation after Burnley have ramped up their legal battle against Everton, sources have told Football Insider.
Burnley were one of five clubs alongside Leeds United, Leicester City, Southampton and Nottingham Forest to apply for compensation after Everton were charged with a profit and sustainability (PSR) breach for 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The i Paper reported on Monday (15 September) Burnley are suing Everton for £50million, with the case set to begin this week at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London.
It is one of several legal battles currently ongoing across the Premier League.
Sources have told Football Insider senior figures at some top-flight clubs are “concerned” about the amount of litigation as it could impact the league from a branding perspective.
How much revenue did Burnley miss out on?
Everton were docked a total of eight points in the 2023-24 campaign following their spending breaches, with top-flight clubs only permitted to make £105m of losses over a rolling three-year period.
Burnley are claiming they missed out on extra revenue following their relegation in 2021-22 – one of the seasons where the Toffees were found to have breached the PSR rules.
The Lancashire side, who finished third-bottom and four points behind Everton, are the only one of the five clubs to have followed through with their bid to receive compensation.
Finance expert Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider Burnley could have lost out on around £58m after dropping out of the top flight.
Scott Parker led the Clarets back into the Premier League last season, having finished second in the Championship table behind Leeds.
Which other legal battles are ongoing in the Premier League?
Elsewhere, Chelsea have been charged by the FA with 74 alleged rule breaches relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022, with a points deduction potentially on the cards if they are proven to have gained a sporting advantage.
Manchester City have reached a settlement with the Premier League in their associated party transactions (APT) battle, but they are still waiting to hear the verdict in their 115 charges case.
Tottenham and INEOS are currently locked in a legal battle after the petrochemicals company, which is spearheaded by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, exited a sponsorship deal with the club three years into a five-year agreement.
Spurs are seeking just over £11m, but INEOS is now counter-suing the Premier League side after accusing them of holding sponsorship talks with Audi linked to the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.