Premier League teams are reportedly growing concerned by the 'eye-watering' costs of legal battles – including Manchester City's 115 charges.
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Premier League teams concerned by legal billsCompetition embroiled in 'eye-watering' ratesIncludes Man City's 115 alleged financial breachesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
This year, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and now City have forked out huge funds to fight their corner in court in regards to financial fair play (FFP) and more. So why are other Premier League sides concerned about this going forward?
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According to , top-flight teams are worried that the legal bill for these cases will run into the millions and reduce their share of the central funds from broadcast and commercial deals. The reports the Premier League could be left with a legal bill of tens of millions of pounds even if they win their case against City. If those legal funds continue to spiral – with claiming the Premier League spent nearly £50 million ($66.6m) on legal costs last season (six times more than what they budgeted for) – the usual payments issued to top-flight teams could be negatively affected.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Telegraph report adds that in the Everton case, where they were docked eight points overall in two court battles for profit and sustainability rule (PSR) breaches, the Premier League applied for the Toffees to pay £5m in costs but were awarded just £1.7m ($2.2m). Plus, they lost the appeal, which added to those costs. Previously, Everton's general counsel, Celia Rooney, said the rates paid by the Premier League for its legal costs were "eye-watering".
GettyWHAT NEXT?
While Everton and Forest were docked points last season and Leicester have seemingly escaped any punishment, City are currently in a legal battle with the Premier League over allegedly breaking financial rules. That case is likely to go on for weeks and will be very expensive.