Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

Leicester opinion: seeking Everton retribution stinks of desperation

By Will Kennedy

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: A general view as fans of Leicester City raise a Banner of a Fist which reads "Up For The Fight LCFC" prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: A general view as fans of Leicester City raise a Banner of a Fist which reads "Up For The Fight LCFC" prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
twitterredditfacebook
Prev
1 of 3
Next

In what is proving to be one of the tightest and dramatic relegation battles in Premier League history, there could yet be another twist as Leicester City are amongst five clubs looking to sue Everton for a combined £300million. The threat of legal action comes after the Toffees were charged with breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules in March.

Everton were found to have breached Financial and Sustainability rules after they posted their annual losses in March. FFP rules dictate that clubs are forbidden losses of over £105m across a three-year period, whilst Everton’s figures show a loss of over £313.5m in that time period.

Whilst some may point to Covid-19 as the reason for such losses, the figures show that the pandemic is only responsible for £90.4m of that figure, leaving over £200m lost regardless. If found guilty by the league, Everton could face a hefty fine, points deduction, or a transfer ban. The club insist their innocence in the matter.

Due to the major financial hit that relegation from the Premier League brings to teams, it’s been reported by the Daily Mail that Southampton, Leicester City, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest all believe they will be entitled to compensation if they are relegated to the Championship. Meanwhile, Burnley also feel they are entitled to compensation after their relegation last season, despite the club securing promotion at the first time of trying.

As well as they money, the five clubs are also pressuring the PL to fast-track the case in order for the punishment to be dealt before the end of the current season. The clubs hope that a points deduction for Everton will see two of Leicester, Leeds, or Forest avoid relegation.

It is unlikely that the case can be fast-tracked which has led to the clubs readying their compensation claims. As per The Mail, ‘[w]hile five clubs have formally registered their grievance, the £300m claim would ultimately be brought by the two clubs relegated along with Southampton if Everton survive’. The claim – if successful – would see the three relegated teams recoup £100m each.