Everton finances: ‘Come and have a look’ – Sky Sports pundit challenges Premier League amid politically motivated fears
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell has challenged the authorities to “come and have a look” after Everton were referred for an alleged profit and sustainability breach, while dismissing suggestions of unfairness in the process.
The Daily Mail reported on 25 March suggestions around the league that the Premier League’s decision to reverse course nine months after backing the Toffees’ financial position as “politically motivated” in light of the looming threat of an independent regulator.
But Sky Sports pundit Campbell has taken a nothing to hide means nothing to worry about perspective and has welcomed the investigation for the club to clear its name.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News he said: “I don’t think it’s unfair at all, because if you’re doing things above board how is it unfair?
“If your name gets brought out of the hat and they’re going to come and check your club, no problem, come and have a look.
“There’s always things that crop up where unfortunately your club might get a call and be put in the frame to be investigated.
“But if you’ve done everything right then there’s nothing to worry about is there?”
There appears to be widespread consternation over the Premier League’s behaviour, with Everton said to be “shocked” at their about-turn [i News, 27 March], while relegation rivals were reportedly ready to take legal action against the league amid an apparent acceptance of the Toffees’ defence [Daily Mail, 17 May].
The proof will be in the hearing, whenever it eventually arrives, and the club’s stance is that they will defend their position, which on the currently available evidence they absolutely should.
Martin Samuel also noted in The Times (15 April) that Denise Barrett-Baxendale had been part of the original panel that proposed a regulator but had gone conspicuously quiet since the club landed in the potential firing line of one.
It would appear highly coincidental for all the different factors to have no bearing on the decision-making that has put Everton back in the spotlight over spending, or indeed the timing of those decisions, but the presumption has to be that the independent commission will get to the bottom of it and Campbell sounds confident the Toffees will be fine.