Former Liverpool star John Aldridge believes nether Chelsea or Manchester City will be hit with a points deduction, unlike Everton. The Toffees were recently deducted 10 points for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSRs).
The penalty has left Sean Dyche's side with just four points, plunging them into the relegation zone. The Premier League made a complaint against Everton and referred the case to an independent commission earlier this year.
During the proceedings, the Merseyside outfit admitted that they were in breach of the league's PSRs for the period ending Season 2021/22. Following a five-day hearing last month, the commission decided that Everton's PSR calculation resulted in a £124.5million loss, which exceeded the threshold permitted.
As a result, a 10-point deduction was imposed immediately. The sanction sent shockwaves across the country and social media users quickly pointed fingers at Chelsea and Manchester City, questioning their spending habits.
The Blues have spent nearly £1billion on new players alone since Todd Boehly took over in may 2022, while the Premier League champions have been one of the biggest spenders since Sheikh Mansour took the helm at the Etihad Stadium in September 2008.
Despite doubts over the two clubs' financial records in recent years, Aldridge doesn't believe they'll receive a similar punishment. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds legend claimed Chelsea and City have 'scared off' prosecutors with their firepower.
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"Everton were a sitting duck," Aldridge said. "I don't know how you gauge it so I guess it all comes down to what happens in future. We've all seen what's gone on with Chelsea under Roman Abramovich or everything at Man City - 115 charges.
"Was it because the other teams have gone on to do well? The others are in the top six? Perhaps it has to do with Everton not having the money to fight it.
"City have got unlimited amounts, Chelsea have got unlimited amounts, so they've scared off the people who are trying to do them for years, delaying and delaying... Everton physically could not do that - I'm sure they would have done too with the same resources."
He added: "The league are under pressure to do something and I'm waiting to see if they follow suit now, with that club (City) in particular. I hope that fairness prevails at the end of the day - if it is good enough for Everton then it is certainly good enough for City and any other club."