The Chairman of Crystal Palace, Steve Parish, has expressed his hope for the implementation of improved rules within the Premier League and the application of a “fair and proportionate” punishment as the outcome of Everton’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) case remains uncertain, writes the LiverpoolEcho. Parish also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Everton Chairman, Bill Kenwright, who recently passed away.
This week has been tumultuous for Everton, marked by the loss of a cherished figure in the club’s community, Bill Kenwright, followed by the revelation of potential severe sanctions stemming from the FFP case.
Speculation has swirled, with reports from The Telegraph suggesting that the sanctions could manifest as a points deduction, financial penalties, or even a transfer embargo. The Premier League is said to have recommended an extremely harsh punishment in this matter.
Steve Parish addressed the FFP case during an interview with Jamie Carragher ahead of Crystal Palace’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur. He expressed his criticism of the current method employed by the Premier League to regulate financial affairs.
However, before delving into the complexities of the FFP case, Parish began by honoring Bill Kenwright and his remarkable 19-year tenure as Everton’s chairman. He acknowledged Kenwright’s contributions to the club, emphasizing Everton’s enduring significance in English football.
Regarding the FFP sanctions and rules, Parish raised concerns about the existing three-year retrospective look-back system. He noted that these rules allowed for squads to breach regulations, often without immediate consequences, and emphasized the need for a more effective set of regulations.
Everton has been under investigation by an independent commission since March 24, prompted by charges related to financial breaches, specifically losses amounting to £372 million in the 2021/22 campaign. Everton narrowly escaped relegation twice during this period.
While Parish expressed his belief that the current system may work against Everton, he acknowledged the sentiment among Premier League clubs that demand appropriate sanctions for rule breaches. He noted the principle of fairness and proportionality in whatever actions are taken in the FFP case, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field.
As the Everton FFP case unfolds, the broader Premier League community watches closely, anticipating the outcome and hoping for rules that ensure equitable competition and financial responsibility within the league.