Premier League Threatens Punishments Amid ‘Swap Deals’ Controversy
The Premier League has sent a warning to all 20 clubs in the top flight, threatening punishments for ‘concerning’ transfers intended to navigate Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. A number of top-flight clubs have sealed deals for academy stars over recent weeks, with each other, sparking concerns that these moves are attempts to get on the right side of the line regarding PSR ahead of the end of the financial year on June 30.
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Lewis Dobbin has moved from Everton to Aston Villa for £9m, while Tim Iroegbunam has moved in the opposite direction for a similar fee. Chelsea have also faced scrutiny, with defender Ian Maatsen set to join Unai Emery’s side for a £37m fee. Chelsea are also set to spend around £19m on Villa’s academy star Omari Kellyman.
The moves appear to be attempts by some clubs to get on the right side of the line regarding PSR ahead of the end of the financial year on June 30.
The Premier League has the power to look at official documentation regarding negotiations, and should it be decided that the deals have not been conducted in the right way, then it can impose fair market value rules. A number of factors, including a player’s age, position, playing statistics, honours, and injury history, are taken into account to decide a player’s perceived value.
Tim Iroegbunam signed for Everton last week
Meanwhile, clubs are also scrutinised regarding their ‘financial state and relative bargaining position’ and ‘any urgent need for liquidity’. The Premier League’s director of governance, Jamie Herbert, has sent an email to all 20 clubs in the top flight, reminding them that they could be obliged to return any transfer fee in part or fully should a certain fee be inflated.
Section B.15 in the Premier League’s rules regarding transfers reads: ‘For the avoidance of doubt and by way of example only, it shall be a breach of the duties under this rule to act dishonestly towards the league or another club; or engage in conduct that is intended to circumvent these rules or obstruct the board’s investigation of compliance with them.’
While the Premier League are set to scrutinise any deals, talks appear to be continuing between clubs. Leicester - who have already been charged for breaching PSR - have reportedly agreed a deal to sell star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Brighton. It has been suggested that Brighton star Jakub Moder would move to the King Power Stadium in part-exchange.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall set to join Brighton
The Premier League’s warning to clubs is a clear indication that they will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent the rules. With the financial year coming to a close, it remains to be seen how many more deals will be made before the deadline.
