Premier League drop PSR complaint against Everton – as division rule it’s not ‘appropriate or proportionate’ to pursue outstanding case

Everton are out of the woods in terms of breaches against the Premier League’s financial rules after the top flight formally dropped an outstanding charge on Friday.

The Premier League decided it would not be ‘appropriate or proportionate’ to pursue an outstanding case against Everton which related to the club’s second points deduction last season.

Last term, the Toffees were docked two points for the accounting period ending June 2023 – on top of the six they were deducted for a breach in the previous financial year. But the two parties were at loggerheads about an additional alleged £6.5million breach of the spending rules.

Everton admitted a breach of £16.6m but said the extra £6.5m – they were accused of exceeding the permitted loss threshold of £105m by just over £23m – was related to interest payments attributable to their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

The club argued these payments should not be within the scope of the profit and sustainability (PSR) rules. And finally, the Premier League has agreed with that and let Everton off the hook.

A joint-statement from Everton and the top flight read: ‘After considering the information and documents provided by the club in detail, the Premier League Board has concluded that it would not be appropriate or proportionate to continue to pursue the second part of their complaint.’

Meanwhile, boss David Moyes has confirmed former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam is under consideration to join the club as a coach with a focus on set-pieces. 

The Scotsman, who also played for Blackpool and Stoke, was recently sacked as the Fleetwood Town manager.