Leeds’ relegation rivals to face potential points deduction after alleged FFP breach

Leeds United’s relegation rivals Everton may be due to face a points deduction after it has been alleged that they breached Profitability and Sustainability rules – with their fate to be decided by an independent commission.

The alleged infringements occurred in the period ending 2021/22, with Everton now becoming the second Premier League club this term to be referred to an independent body over Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches following Manchester City earlier this season.

The Premier League’s statement, in full, reads as follows (as per Yorkshire Evening Post):

“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred an alleged breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules by Everton Football Club to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4. The assessment period for which it is alleged that the Club is in breach is the period ending Season 2021/22.

“Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.

“The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website. The League will be making no further comment until that time.”

A points deduction, transfer embargoes, reduced playing squads, fines, and potentially even expulsion from the top-flight exist as potential punishments for the Merseyside club.

Were Everton to be found guilty of financial mismanagement and face immediate consequences it would prove a significant boost to the Whites, who currently sit level in the table with Sean Dyche’s side on 26 points.

READ MORE:Phil Hay teases future Leeds United agreement with midfield talent

Leeds have moved to give Gray his first professional contract in the last fortnight, after the teenager turned 17 and was, legally, able to put pen-to-paper with the club.

However, that agreement only takes Gray through until the end of the 2024/25 season.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Archie Gray of Leeds United looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on February 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Leeds rate Gray very highly, with the club making their move to integrate him within the first-team this season. He’s featured on the bench under both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia either side of a toe injury.

Because of how highly Leeds rate Gray, it was slightly confusing that the club had only signed him up for two-and-a-half years.

Because Gray is under the age of 18, it’s been outlined that the club couldn’t offer anything longer than three-years, meaning a deal until the summer of 2025 was the maximum they could offer.

That’s something the Phil Hay is expecting Leeds to look at again when Gray turns 18.

“I don’t think it’ll be long post-18 where there is another offer or further talks of why don’t we turn this into a 20-year deal. 

“That will be on their minds to make that more substantial when the rules and the laws allow them to do that.

Phil Hay, via The Phil Hay Show podcast.

Reflecting on the current agreement Leeds have Gray on, it made complete sense in the eyes of The Athletic journalist.

“It’s a good move because Gray is, quite clearly, an incredibly talented footballer.”

Leeds are having to following the guidelines when it comes to Gray’s future, although it’s not hard imagining that they wish they had the young midfielder signed up long-term.

Gray is really highly-rated at Elland Road and the likelihood is that before his 18th birthday he will have debuted in the first-team.

It puts extra pressure on Leeds getting him signed up to a long-term contract in the near future, such is Gray’s talent.

If they don’t, it won’t be long before clubs are circling given his current agreement is only until the summer of 2025.

 

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