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The Everton Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has made a significant call to the Premier League, urging the suspension of all Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) hearings due to concerns over the clarity and consistency of the sanctions process. This request comes in light of Everton’s upcoming second hearing of the season regarding breaches of PSR regulations, set to commence on Monday.
In preparation for this hearing, the FAB has submitted a Fan Impact Statement to both Everton and the Premier League. This document acknowledges Everton’s accountability in the matter but also sheds light on the profound impact the charges have had on the club, its employees, and its loyal fanbase, many of whom have voiced their dissatisfaction with the club’s management in recent years.
Furthermore, the FAB is advocating for the establishment of a new independent regulator to oversee all future PSR cases, a move aimed at ensuring a fairer and more transparent process. This call to action comes in the wake of Nottingham Forest’s recent four-point deduction for exceeding PSR guidelines by £34.5 million, contrasting with Everton’s initial ten-point deduction (later reduced to six on appeal) for a £19.5 million breach.
The FAB argues that the varying outcomes of these independent commissions highlight a flawed system, further evidenced by reports of an impending overhaul of the financial regulation system by the Premier League as early as this summer. The potential charges against Leicester City, should they secure promotion, and the speculation surrounding Chelsea and other clubs needing to offload players to comply with regulations, underscore the FAB’s concerns about the creation of a two-tier Premier League system.
Dave Kelly, Chair of the FAB, expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, stating, “It looks like the Premier League is literally making this up as they go along.” He criticized the lack of clear guidelines for sanctions and the inconsistent application of rules across different hearings. Kelly also highlighted the Premier League’s acknowledgment of the need for change in the PSR rules, questioning how the current regulatory chaos could foster confidence among football supporters.
Kelly emphasized the real-world impact of these regulatory issues on supporters, players, and club employees. He pointed out that while legislation has been introduced for an independent regulator, it falls short of providing the comprehensive oversight needed for profit and sustainability matters. The FAB’s stance is that the Premier League has failed to ensure fair and transparent governance of football, prompting a call for supporters to advocate for legislation that grants full powers and oversight to the regulator over PSR.
The FAB’s statement reflects growing concerns among fans about the potential for a two-tier league system within the Premier League, where financial viability and success become increasingly difficult for clubs outside the so-called ‘European Super League’ breakaway clubs. The Premier League’s apparent rush to transition from the current PSR policy to a new one further indicates the need for a pause in proceedings and sanctions until a more robust system can be implemented under the guidance of an independent regulator.
This development is part of a broader conversation about the future of football governance and the role of fans in shaping a fair and competitive landscape for all clubs. As the situation unfolds, the Everton Fan Advisory Board’s call for action underscores the need for immediate and meaningful reform in the Premier League’s approach to profit and sustainability regulations.