Everton could have unleashed catastrophic damages to the Premier League following APT saga

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton have endured their fair share of close calls with relegation over recent years.

David Moyes has been able to steady the ship this season on Merseyside with Everton finally pulling clear of the relegation zone.

It has been a frustrating 2024/25 campaign for the large part, with Sean Dyche really struggling to get a tune out of the Toffees.

The January transfer window did not prove the Friedkins with two signings they set out for to bolster the struggling squad.

However, there is the expectation of a better summer window at Everton with their PSR worries being eased.

But it seems as if recent developments surrounding the Premier League could have led to some serious consequences.

• READ MORE: David Moyes thinks he’s discovered a ‘diamond’ at Everton over the last week at Finch Farm

Everton could have really damaged the Premier League with APT development

The Premier League’s run-in with Manchester City has seen APT regulations come under real scrutiny.

Ironically, Everton are set to be in need of a new sponsor following developments surrounding their current front-of-shirt sponsor.

Speaking on Loaded Mag, finance expert Kieran Maguire has discussed the potential implications on the Premier League had Everton been relegated.

“If Nottingham Forest or Everton had been relegated, on the back of points deductions on the back of not being able to [secure APT deals], I think the potential financial consequences for the Premier League could have been absolutely catastrophic,” he said.

Everton are hoping for a big financial boost through their move in the summer to their new stadium with an increase to their annual matchday revenue.

However, the financial boost set to be offered by the new stadium may not have been available if Everton were playing second-tier football.

And Maguire feels the points deductions handed to Everton could have led to a huge lawsuit had the Toffees actually been relegated.

• READ MORE: David Weir’s stance on a return to Everton shared amid rumours of replacing Kevin Thelwell

Everton were not in a position to benefit from APT

If Everton or Forest had points deductions that sent them down because APT rules meant they weren’t able to do deals with owner-linked companies at the rates they wanted, they might be entitled to sue for lost earnings because the 2021-24 rules have now been declared illegitimate.

However, Everton weren’t in a position to be doing APT deals at above fair market value as Farhad Moshiri was not offering the club that possibility.

Nottingham Forest were £35m over the limit and there’s no way they could have clawed that back with APTs.

So the changes to APT are unlikely to have even affected Everton in the first place, but it does leave the possibility for the Friedkins to now find a lucrative new sponsorship deal.