Everton chiefs will be on alert as Manchester City and Premier League agree trial date
Everton officials will no doubt have a keen eye on proceedings when Manchester City face off with the Premier League over alleged financial breaches.
According to the Daily Mail [30 November], a date for the heading in front of an independent panel has finally been set for late autumn 2024 – so likely a year from now.
The report by Mike Keegan adds that a conclusion may not be forthcoming until the end of the 2024-25 campaign, which means an even longer wait for everyone involved.
The court case will be eagerly anticipated across the globe, with some suggesting City could be docked titles and even relegated if found guilty of the more severe breaches.
Everyone connected to Everton will also be interested to see exactly what punishment is handed down to the reigning European and English champions in wake of the Toffees’ own recent penalty.
The 10-point deduction the Premier League thought was fit has not gone down well among the Goodison faithful, it is fair to say, with a series of protests being carried out last weekend.
An appeal has been lodged and will be heard in the coming weeks, while rival clubs such as Leeds United, Leicester City and Burnley may then take legal action against Everton.
Each of those cases will likely be heard and concluded well before City’s trial begins, with the case far more complex as the Citizens are accused of 115 breaches.
If City get away with a slap on the wrist, it will only add fuel to the fire of those who feel Everton were wronged.
With a verdict potentially 18 months away, though, it will be a long wait to see how City’s punishment – if any – compares with Everton’s.
In other Everton news, the Toffees may have been given hope in their pursuit of a long-term target.