Everton’s disciplinary hearing into the club’s alleged breach of Premier League spending rules is taking place in secret this week. 

Mail Sport has learned that the independent commission began on Tuesday, with Everton and the Premier League making opening submissions in a behind-closed-doors hearing that is scheduled to conclude next week.

The Premier League are expected to publish the verdict and any sanctions imposed by the tribunal at some point next month without giving advance notice to the other clubs, but will be guided by the commission, who are not working to any set timeframe. 

Such is the level of secrecy surrounding the process that senior figures at Everton were unaware that the hearing had begun when contacted by Mail Sport earlier today.

Everton were charged by the Premier League in March with breaching Financial Fair Play regulations by posting financial losses of almost £372m over the previous years when the competition’s limit is £105m. 

The club have strongly denied any wrongdoing however, and are confident of being cleared, as they claim they received allowances from the Premier League due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Everton are found guilty the club will face a range of sanctions including a fine, transfer embargo or points deduction, which could have a major impact on the relegation battle. 

The case could also have huge financial ramifications for the club and affect their proposed sale to 777Partners, as Burnley, Leeds and Leicester are threatening to sue Everton for £300m if they are found guilty.

Mail Sport revealed earlier this month that the three clubs had written a joint letter to the Premier League and 777 warning they would sue for lost earnings if Everton were found guilty on the grounds that the club only narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Your browser does not support iframes.