Finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that the Premier League have not treated Tottenham and Everton equally with regard to their interest costs and new stadiums.
The Toffees are appealing their second points deduction following a second breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
However, Maguire feels that Everton have been punished for following the same procedure as another club who have built a new stadium recently – Tottenham – and that a third commission is set to be necessary due to the hazy nature of the rules on this matter.
Speaking on the Price of Football podcast, he said: “It looks like we’re going to have yet a third commission in respect of Everton, because the last commission said, ‘Well, we don’t really understand the rules with regards to the interest charges’.
“The Premier League seem quite aggressive towards Everton in this particular regard.
“My view – I’ve not got a dog in the fight – I think that’s a bit harsh because Spurs were allowed to add their interest costs to the stadium.
“Yeah, I know on a word-by-word basis there is a possible case, but in the spirit of the game, it does seem to be very harsh.”
Everton battling on and off the field
Everton’s on-field struggles have been compounded by their ongoing battles off the pitch.
The club’s two points deductions – a cumulative sanction of eight points – leaves them in 16th, just two points clear of the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand.
Furthermore, the Toffees’ form under Sean Dyche has nosedived since the turn of the year. They endured an unwanted club-record 13 games without a victory and have won just two of their last 16 Premier League fixtures – both against fellow relegation strugglers Burnley.
Additionally, the 6-0 hammering they suffered at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out has done little for morale. On top of these issues, Everton are fighting against the additional two points they have been deducted and must also contend with continued uncertainty regarding 777 Partners’ takeover of the club.
If Dyche can steer the team to Premier League survival, that will go some way towards easing the anxiety around Goodison Park. In other Everton news, clubs are waiting on Goodison chiefs to finalise a multi-million Jarrad Branthwaite transfer decision.
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