Everton appeared to give Manchester City the cold shoulder after the Premier League handed them a 10-point deduction.
“The Club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules,” a statement from the Toffees said, vowing to appeal the record fine.
According to the league’s financial rules, Everton had lost £19.5 million more than the three-year cap, and many believe the penalty was too severe. Fear of the possible punishments City would receive if found guilty of the charges against them has been fueled by some.
The Blues fully refutes the 115 allegations of financial mismanagement made by the Premier League against them back in February. In a defiant statement, City stated, “We look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
The Premier League is eager to establish its dominance following criticism of its ethics during the 2021 Super League secession attempt, when commentators believed those involved were given a free pass.
The situation in England is unique in that there are multiple domestic football regulatory organisations. Despite their best efforts to work together, the Premier League, EFL, and FA are independent organisations with distinct goals in the organisational hierarchy.
Following her fan-led review following the breakaway attempt, MP Tracey Crouch backed the government’s intentions for an independent regulator, which UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in his King’s Speech earlier this month.
Even two of the league’s best chairs, Steve Parish of Crystal Palace and David Sullivan of West Ham, are not quite convinced. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to speculate that the Premier League board members are likewise not very fond of the concept of an additional regulatory body.
With Everton losing 10 points, league authorities have delivered a strong statement that they are a force to be reckoned with. Although it is evident that the Merseysiders have not accused City of any misconduct, they were not the only ones to hint at some whataboutery.
In an attempt to put more pressure on the Premier League to impose punishment if either City or Chelsea are found guilty, many on social media began criticizing the two clubs—who are presently not accused but are under investigation for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations.
When the accusations were initially made, Pep Guardiola was questioned about his response. He was certain that his team had complied with the regulations and cited the 2020 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reversed a UEFA fine related to FFP allegations.
“My thought is that we have already been condemned,” Guardiola stated during a press conference prior to a match against Aston Villa. It’s been the same since Monday as it was with UEFA. The club shown their total innocence, so why should I assume anything at this point given that the accusations were merely suggestions?
The Premier League’s 19 teams are making accusations against us without giving us a chance to respond. You are fully aware of my stance. We are fortunate to be in a nation where one is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. We appear to have received our sentence already.
Naturally, no team has publicly stated that City is guilty of the claims from February, but it doesn’t take a Blues supporter to sense the prevailing consensus among football fans.
However, it appears that Everton has put more pressure on the Premier League to act fairly and consistently in the event that another club discovers that they have committed comparable infractions. Guardiola and the City administration might not find this surprising.