Premier League boss Richard Masters explains to Everton and Nottingham Forest for 'small clubs' comments

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has clarified his recent comments suggesting Everton and Nottingham Forest are “small clubs”.

The football boss landed himself in trouble with his comments during a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing in January.

Masters says he had “no intention” to be disrespectful to historic English clubs, following criticism from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

During the meeting, a committee member asked whether the “big clubs” are treated differently when it comes to the Premier League's financial rules.

comes after both Everton and Forest were charged with alleged financial violations, while Man City are yet to face a hearing despite being charged with more than 100 financial rule violations in February 2023.

Masters responded: “The standard instructions (for profit and sustainability rules) are for everyone, they are not just for small clubs.”

Masters was later asked to clarify his comments and wrote in response that he had “tried to emphasize that the Premier League rules apply equally to all clubs.”

“Furthermore,” he continued, “I am pleased to confirm that while clubs can be delimited by many different measures, the Premier League does not use such criteria or classifications.

“As I said in my testimony, Everton and Nottingham Forest They are valued and respected members of the Premier League.

“Both clubs enjoy success stories, have a strong and passionate fan base and make a significant contribution not only to the vibrant Premier League competition, but also to their local cities and communities.

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“In reflecting the committee member's posing of the question, I did not intend to suggest otherwise. “It would be incorrect to infer from this that there is unfair treatment based on the size of the club, as suggested in the committee's press statement.

“In fact, what I said was the opposite: the Premier League board applies the rules consistently, regardless of the club in question.”

Masters' apology comes later Everton fans staged a protest. against the Premier League over the points deduction, which the club is now appealing.

Diehard Toffees fan and former boxing champion Tony Bellew even joined talkSPORT to rant about the situation. saying 'Man City and Chelsea laugh all the way to the bank' while criticizing the league bosses.

But in his statement Masters reiterated that Everton's case was heard by an independent commission.

“Members of the panel are appointed by an independent president in a process in which the League is not involved, and members of each commission are appointed by that president independently, again in a process in which the League plays no role. “, said.

“Each member of the independent commission who heard this case was a senior and experienced lawyer or financial expert, including a former member of the judiciary.”