Alan Pardew fears what is next after Everton punishment as Chelsea and Manchester City cases come into view
Alan Pardew fears the “bigger problem” with the points deduction handed to Everton is the number of course cases that could branch out of it.
Everton’s punishment last week has now put the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the spotlight due to their financial misdemeanours.
The Toffees are also expected to be taken to court by the likes of Leicester City, Leeds United and Burnley over a loss of income.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday [24 November, 09:45], Pardew said: “The bigger problem is what is going to be the outcome from these other clubs? We’ve opened up this can of worms.
“When all the Premier League owners got together on Tuesday, I bet they were all scurrying around looking for allies.
“The fine and the punishment for those clubs under threat is going to be scrutinised like never before after what they’ve done to Everton.
“The only people who are really happy are the lawyers, knowing that this could rumble on with lots of cases.
“And don’t think these law firms don’t approach clubs and say ‘look, we think you’ve got a case here’. You’ve got all that going on in the background, and it’s not going to be pretty.”
Precedent set
The one positive to come out of last week’s verdict is that at least it is now out the way with.
Everton know they have to make up a two-point gap on Luton Town in 17th, which is of course an easily achievable target.
However, an appeal will be lodged, while rival clubs are set to sue, so we are in for a few more months of wrangling behind the scenes yet.
From a wider perspective, the cases involving Man City and Chelsea will garner plenty of interest across the globe – more so than the one involving Everton – due to the size of the clubs.
There has been talk of titles being stripped, record fines and even relegation, so that is certainly one to keep a close eye on.
Everton as a club will also be eager to see just how hard those big names are hit in the context of their own 10-point punishment.
A precedent has now been set, and the Premier League quite simply has to punish those other clubs accordingly if they have also breached rules.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports reporter shared an admission from a first-team player live on air outside Finch Farm.