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Pep Guardiola has already responded to Everton’s Premier League criticism on Manchester City charges.

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Everton appeared to give Manchester City the side eye when the Premier League handed them a 10-point deduction.

In a statement, the Toffees pledged to fight the record fine, adding, “The Club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.”

Everton had exceeded the league’s three-year limit for losses by £19.5 million, and many believe the punishment was severe. Some have expressed concern about the potential punishment City might face if they are found guilty of the claims leveled against them.

In February, the Premier League accused Chelsea with 115 counts of financial mismanagement, which the club firmly denies. “We look forward to putting this matter to rest once and for all,” City declared firmly.

After its legitimacy was called into question following the aborted Super League breakaway in 2021, when many felt those involved got off lightly, the Premier League is eager to reassert its authority.

England is unique in that it has multiple domestic football governing bodies. The FA, EFL, and Premier League are all distinct organizations that, while they try to collaborate, each have their own goals in the hierarchy.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced earlier this month in his King’s Speech that the government is planning for an independent regulator, which MP Tracey Crouch endorsed after performing her fan-led review following the failed secession effort.

Not everyone agrees, including Premier League chairmen David Sullivan of West Ham and Steve Parish of Crystal Palace. It would not be a stretch to speculate that those on the Premier League’s board of directors are also opposed to the idea of another governing body.

With Everton’s 10-point deduction, league officials may have issued a strong message that they are not to be trifled with. While the Merseysiders definitely did not outright accuse City of wrongdoing, they were not the only ones to suspect foul play.

Many people on social media began pointing fingers at City and Chelsea (who are under investigation for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations but have not yet been charged) in order to put pressure on the Premier League to impose fines if either team is found guilty.

Pep Guardiola was questioned about his reaction when the charges were initially made public. He was certain that his club had followed the rules and referred back to 2020, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport reversed a UEFA punishment for FFP violations.

Guardiola stated at a news conference ahead of a match against Aston Villa: “My thought is that we have already been condemned, since Monday it is like what happened with Uefa. The club proved that they were completely innocent, why should I think right now, with just charges of suggestions.”

“The Premier League’s 19 teams are accusing us without giving us the opportunity to defend ourselves.” You already know which side I’m on. We are fortunate to live in a country where everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We appear to have already been sentenced.”

Of course, no club has explicitly stated that City is guilty of the February claims, but you don’t have to be a Blues fan to share the overall sentiment of many football fans.

However, Everton has clearly put pressure on the Premier League to be consistent and proportionate if any other team is found to have committed similar violations. Perhaps Guardiola and the City administration are not surprised.

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