Metro Mayor criticises Premier League Everton charge and calls for 'fairness and transparency'

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has slammed the Premier League’s decision to charge Everton with breaching its financial rules.

The Premier League confirmed on Monday afternoon that both Everton and Nottingham Forest have been referred to an independent commission for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules in their accounts for 2022/23.

In November, Everton were handed a ten-point deduction for a P&S breach after being charged last season - the biggest points deduction in the Premier League’s 30-year history. However, the club have appealed against the sanction.

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In a statement in response to the announcement, Everton accused the Premier League rules of being deficient. “The Premier League does not have guidelines which prevent a club being sanctioned for alleged breaches in financial periods which have already been subject to punishment, unlike other governing bodies, including the EFL,” it read.

“As a result — and because of the Premier League’s new commitment to deal with such matters ‘in-season’ — the club is in a position where it has had no option but to submit a PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules] calculation which remains subject to change, pending the outcome of the appeal.

“The club must now defend another Premier League complaint which includes the very same financial periods for which it has already been sanctioned, before that appeal has even been heard. The club takes the view that this results from a clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules.

“Everton can assure its fans that it will continue to defend its position during the ongoing appeal and, should