Everton baffled by latest development in £300m Goodison compensation case
Everton are unhappy that the £300million compensation claim against them will be heard by the same panel that docked the Toffees 10 points, according to the Daily Mail.
As written in the newspaper’s online edition (22 November), Burnley, Leicester City and Leeds United believe they are entitled to £100million each as they were relegated during seasons where the Toffees were found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s spending rules.
The three-person disciplinary panel which will hear the claims against Everton are the same panel that docked the club 10 points, which has resulted in eyebrows being raised.
Judge Alan Greenwood, chartered accountant Nick Igoe, a former finance director at West Ham, and chair of the commission David Phillips KC make up the panel, with Phillips’ involvement a main cause for concern due to his previous connection with Leeds, having acted in the Whites’ appeal against a 15-point deduction imposed by the EFL for breaking insolvency rules in 2007.
Complex
It is easy to understand why Everton are not happy about these developments. The club clearly feel hard done by already and hearing that the same panel will now decide another big case against them will only lead to further worry and a sense of injustice.
On the other hand, some might argue that it is easier to keep the same panel as they will already have an understanding of the case which will lead to a much swifter conclusion. Either way, it is easy to see both sides of the coin.
What is particularly concerning is Phillips’ involvement, due to his previous connection with Leeds.
While many will hope that he can remain professional and not let any bias tint his judgement, this hope might not be enough for Everton, and it would be fair for them to suggest that no person with a previous connection to any of the clubs involved should be a part of the process, due to the enormity of the claims.
In other Everton news, the club’s takeover could be in trouble following developments at another European club.