The Mayor of Liverpool has written to the Premier League in protest over Everton’s “excessive” 10-point penalty for violating league finance rules.
The fine was levied on the Toffees by an independent panel after the club was deemed to have exceeded allowable losses by £19.5 million over a three-year period. The verdict was revealed on Friday.
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram has written to the league’s CEO Richard Masters to express his “deep concern” about the fine.
“The decision to deduct 10 points from Everton is excessive considering the club’s willingness and proactivity in collaborating with the Premier League to ensure all dealings were FFP compliant when it was clear they were close to breaching the rules,” Rotheram wrote.
“There are a number of mitigating factors in Everton’s transgression in relation to debt ceilings that are in effect geo-political and therefore outside of their control.
“As many people have pointed out, the punishment imposed appears severe for the charge in question and sets a new precedent.
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“When compared to sanctions handed to other clubs for financial infringements it surpasses previous penalties.
“In 2010, when Portsmouth entered administration, a case of serious mismanagement, they were hit with only a nine-point penalty. For falling into administration a second time in three years, in 2012, they faced a 10 point deduction. The implication that Everton’s actions are somehow more egregious is frankly ludicrous.
“I completely support the club’s appeal and would urge you to take a more balanced approach and consider alternative forms of punishment that do not unfairly penalise the club’s players and supporters.
“As a founding member of both the Football League and the Premier League, Everton are an important part of the fabric of English football. They deserve to be treated with respect.”
The club immediately indicated they would appeal against the sanction, with the appeal process expected to be completed within the course of the current season.
Everton could also now face compensation claims against them over the case, however no club has so far commented publicly to indicate their intention to make a claim.
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