Everton avoid another points deduction as Premier League drops Profit and Sustainability Rules dispute

Everton had previously acknowledged a breach of £16.6 million for their PSR calculations for the 2022-23 financial year, leading to a two-point deduction by an independent commission in April. However, a separate dispute concerning the treatment of interest payments remained unresolved until now. It refers to treating these payments as an asset rather than recording them as a loss in profit-and-loss calculations.

Everton realised £19m in interest payments in their accounts and retrospectively adjusted £6.6m from previous years to align with their accounting practices. The club argued that interest costs tied to the construction of their Bramley-Moore Dock stadium should be excluded from PSR calculations, while other interest payments should be included. While the adjustments did not eliminate the breach of the £105m PSR threshold, they reduced the perceived scale of the breach from the club’s perspective.

Initially, the Premier League questioned the legitimacy of Everton’s financial adjustments, asserting that the capitalised amount was excessive and that the breach exceeded the reported £16.6m.

However, in a statement, Everton confirmed the conclusion of the matter, stating: "Everton can confirm the club has resolved all outstanding profit and sustainability rules (PSR) charges brought by the Premier League. The Premier League has formally discontinued the second part of the PSR complaint for the period ending FY23 (financial year of 2023) and has deemed the club PSR compliant for FY24.”

Whereas, both Everton & the Premier League issued a joint statement that read: "The second part of the case was paused to allow time for the club to provide further information and documents to the Premier League Board concerning the relevant accounting treatment adopted.

“After considering the further information and documents provided by the club in detail, the Premier League Board has concluded that it would not be appropriate or proportionate to continue to pursue the second part of their complaint. The club and the league agree that this brings to an end all proceedings between the league and the club in relation to the club’s breaches of the PSR for the financial years ending 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2023.”

This resolution brings an end to all ongoing disputes between Everton and the Premier League related to PSR compliance. The outcome is a significant relief for the Merseyside club as they aim to turn around their sinking season under the guidance of David Moyes. They will be back in action against Tottenham on Sunday in their next Premier League match.