LONDON: Everton – again – and Nottingham Forest have been charged with breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations.

The cases have been referred to the chair of the judicial panel, who will appoint separate, independent commissions to determine the punishments which could include a fine, points deduction or other sporting sanction.

Everton have already deducted 10 points this season for a breach of the same rules over a similar period.

Premier League clubs are permitted to lose a maximum of £105m over a three-season period (£35m a season). Due to Forest spending two seasons in the Championship within the latest assessment period, the maximum loss they were permitted was £61m.

The Premier League says both clubs have confirmed they are in breach of the rules for the assessment period ending season 2022-23.

In November, Everton were deducted 10 points – the largest sanction in the history of the Premier League – for a breach of the profit and sustainability rules. The club are appealing against their punishment.

In response to the latest charge, Everton criticised a “clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules”.

Their statement read: “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.

“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 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 it be required to do so, at any future commission – and that the impact on supporters will be reflected as part of that process.”

Forest have said they intend to “continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution”.

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