‘It’s Taking A Huge Toll’ – Wyness ‘Concerned’ as Everton now face three lawsuits

Former Everton chief Keith Wyness says it is a “huge concern” that Everton could face lawsuits from Leeds United, Burnley and Leicester City on top of their existing financial and takeover issues.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs on takeovers and governance – explained that the legal problems at Goodison Park will have a “severe” effect on the club.

Leeds, Burnley and Leicester informed Everton last year that they plan to sue the club for £300million if they were found guilty of financial breaches.

The Toffees were found guilty by an independent commission in November and deducted 10 points, although a successful appeal has seen the punishment reduced to six points.

Everton are now facing a second charge for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, waiting for a final verdict from the Premier League over their prospective takeover and could now face three new lawsuits for a combined £300million.

Everton £300m lawsuit could have ‘severe’ effect – Ex-CEO

Wyness believes the negative stories around Everton will “seep through” to the players and management and affect on-pitch performances.

“The fact that Everton could face three additional lawsuits at once is a huge concern,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“These things are tiring and they take a toll on the whole fabric of the club.

“It will seep through to the players and the management and it does take a huge toll.

“These points deductions and these issues have a much greater impact than they ever could imagine, especially when there are two or three of them.

“The cumulative effect is just so severe.“