Two top-flight clubs are considering a possible legal challenge against the Premier League following the decision not to hit Chelsea with a points deduction.
Chelsea were fined £10.75 million and slapped with a suspended transfer ban by the Premier League on March 16 after reporting £47.5 million of secret payments to unregistered agents and players made over a seven-year period between 2011 and 2018.
It’s the largest fine ever imposed by the Premier League, surpassing the £5.5 million financial penalty given to West Ham United in 2007 following the signings of Argentines Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.
However, Chelsea controversially avoided any sporting sanction - including a potential points deduction - due to what the Premier League have called "voluntarily self-reporting... historical breaches of rules".
Two Premier League Clubs Angry Over Premier League's Chelsea Decision
Chelsea corner flag
Chelsea corner flag
According to The Guardian, several clubs have contacted Premier League chief executive Richard Masters - and the chair, Alison Brittain - asking for clarity on the terms of their agreed settlement with Chelsea.
The report adds that Everton feel ‘particularly aggrieved’ as they were docked eight points during the 2023-24 season for two separate profit and sustainability regulations breaches. Unlike their case, sporting sanctions do not appear to have been considered in the Premier League’s punishment of Chelsea.
Everton, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League table after an impressive debut campaign at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, are also at risk of a further punishment as a result of their PSR breaches with Burnley demanding £50 million at an arbitration hearing in 2025 after being relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2021-22 season, when the Toffees were found to have breached PSR rules.
However, Everton aren’t the only Premier League club unhappy that Chelsea haven’t been deducted points.
Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
Nottingham Forest, who were hit with a four-point deduction in 2023-24 for a PSR breach, reportedly held talks with Everton this week about joining forces to challenge the Premier League. A final decision has not been made at the time of writing.
However, both clubs are ‘likely to write to the Premier League’, The Guardian say, requesting a formal explanation for Chelsea’s punishment and the process behind it.
It’s understood the move would have some support from other clubs in the Premier League.
There are also concerns throughout the Premier League that the lack of sporting sanctions imposed on Chelsea could set a precedent before the verdict of Manchester City’s 115 charges case.
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Several teams could win belated league titles if Man City are found guilty over their 115 charges, but Mikel Arteta’s men still wouldn’t get a trophy.
Curiously, there is no mention of “sporting advantage” in the Chelsea judgment, despite the Blues winning eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles, during the period the illicit payments were made.
Everton and Forest are currently taking legal advice, with any challenge likely to be based on claims the Premier League have been inconsistent in applying their own rules.