The Premier League is facing a new kind of existential challenge in the form of financial control and punishments, a fresh issue to the league from modern football's ever-growing Pandora's Box of problems. It started as early as 2018, when the division commissioned an investigation into Manchester City's finances.

It took roughly five years before there would be a statement made on the situation, with the Premier League making 115 separate allegations against the seven-time champions. The club hit back with their own statement, with an independent commission set to review all of the charges.

Allegations against Chelsea have been somewhat different as new claims continue to be put against the previous ownership regime at the club. Former owner Roman Abramovich spent nearly 20 years at Stamford Bridge before the Russian oligarch was forced to sell up following restrictions placed upon him by the UK Government in 2022 in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Since then there have been some issues that the new ownership have had to deal with, but a recent report from the Guardian claimed that leaked files had included hidden payments to key figures. Given that these could in theory circumvent Financial Fair Play rules, questions have come up regarding any possible charge.

With both clubs facing unprecedented times with potential charges and allegations, it remains to be seen the extent to the punishments should either be found guilty. However, the leading case in this as an example could feature the story surrounding Everton.

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The Merseyside outfit were the second team earlier this year to be sent to an independent commission on the grounds of Financial Fair Play breaches. This case was far more simple in respect to the sheer volume of allegations, which stood at just one compared to City's 115.

Following a hearing in October, the decision was revealed in mid-November that Everton would be deducted 10 points, which is now subject to appeal. The Toffees were left "shocked" by the decision in a club statement, with the outcome likely to set a benchmark for future hearings.

While it remains to be seen how the potential Man City and Chelsea cases could play out, written reasons from the independent commission's decision could hint towards the type of punishment the clubs could receive if they were to be found in breach of rules.

The judgement reads: "We have no doubt that the circumstances of this case are such that only a sporting sanction in the form of a points deduction would be appropriate. A financial penalty for a club that enjoys the support of a wealthy owner is not a sufficient penalty.

"We agree with the Premier League that the requirements of punishment, deterrence, vindication of compliant clubs, and the protection of the integrity of the sport demand a sporting sanction in the form of a points deduction. The issue is not the form of sanction, but its extent."