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Sources: Significant update on Everton financial investigation amid Dele Alli twist
Everton’s referral to an independent commission over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules is not linked to the signing of Dele Alli, sources have told Football Insider today.
It was announced last Friday that the Toffees’ accounts for the period ending with the 2021-22 season are set to be investigated in line with the league’s Profit & Sustainability guidelines.
Those rules set a £105m limit on losses over any three-year interval which, if exceeded, can result in punishments ranging from a hefty fine to a points deduction.
The latter penalty would prove particularly harmful given Sean Dyche’s men sit just two points above the relegation places with 10 games of their season remaining.
Everton had hoped to avoid any investigation after working closely with the Premier League in recent years to ensure that their activity remained in line with the regulations.
But the sudden nature of its move against the Merseyside club and ambiguity of the statement confirming further scrutiny of their accounts has led to speculation over motivations.
One theory put forward in recent days is that the signing of Alli in January 2022 had tipped the Toffees over the limits agreed with the league for that campaign.
However, Football Insider understands that the acquisition of the former MK Dons academy star is unlikely to have had any influence on the decision to open proceedings.
Everton agreed to sign the midfielder from Tottenham on a free transfer with several clauses included in the deal that could have seen it end up totalling £40m.
But, having managed just 13 appearances and no goals for the club before being sent out on loan to Besiktas this season, Alli’s value on the books is unlikely to ever exceed zero.
What’s more, his signing was made in a period when Everton were running decisions regarding transfers and contracts past the Premier League in order to avoid breaches.
And so there is little chance that the decision to bring him to Goodison Park will factor in the league’s case against Everton.
In other news, Football Insider has big update on Everton announcement