Financial Fair Play (FFP) is a concept that’s been implemented since 2011, but is a massive topic in the world of football currently. UEFA introduced FFP as a regulator to promote financial stability and fairness within European club football, aiming to prevent clubs from overspending.
This season, we saw Everton charged with breaking FFP rules, dropping 10 points in the Premier League. It was revealed they had overspent by £19.5 million.
The Premier League released a statement: “An independent commission has imposed an immediate deduction of 10 points on Everton FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).”
Everton released a club statement: “Everton Football Club is both shocked and disappointed by the ruling of the Premier League’s commission.”
Following this, many fans took to Twitter to express their frustration.
Thomas Mather, a lifelong Everton fan, stated, “I don’t think it’s fair. Why are we being punished, yet bigger teams like Manchester City get away with a lot worse? If we have to take the 10-point reduction for one rule break, I hope City receives an equivalent punishment, but for each of their 115.”
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told Football Insider: “Relegation is a possible punishment” if City and Chelsea are found guilty of breaking FFP rules.
Clubs such as Newcastle have stuck to FFP rules, leaving space for them in the January transfer market.
Hanna Spier, a Newcastle United fan, stated, “I think it’s only fair that all clubs abide by the rules. If every club got away with spending as much as they wanted…it would create an uneven playing field. Clubs such as Newcastle have recently become successful while sticking to the rules”.
Hanna added, “It makes football entertaining. No one wants to watch the same top clubs buying the most expensive players and winning all the time; people like to root for underdogs.”
It has been revealed that current league leaders Liverpool are pushing for City to face their FFP verdict. Liverpool lost out on a Champions League spot last year, with City taking home the Premier League title. Manchester United have also pushed for City’s investigation.
Liverpool’s stadium, Anfield. Image credit: Anna Hynes
The FFP’s aim of fairness must be remembered. As Everton received a punishment for their rule break, all clubs must be investigated to ensure they are sticking to FFP rules.
With most clubs doing so, any breaches should be punished. This not only ensures fairness in the league but also discourages clubs from making similar rule breaks in the future.