The Premier League has enlisted additional legal support to manage several ongoing cases within the confines of their regulatory deadlines as reported by The Athletic.

Everton’s appeal hearing occurred last week, with an independent commission slated to deliver a verdict by mid-February. 

However, further Profitability and Sustainability Rules cases involving Everton and Nottingham Forest are subject to strict timeframes that the Premier League must adhere to.

Furthermore, the one-year mark since Manchester City faced charges of 115 financial breaches looms, a complex case overseen by an independent commission. 

An inquiry into Chelsea regarding potential financial regulation breaches, alongside negotiations surrounding the proposed EFL ‘New Deal,’ compounds the league’s legal workload.

While the Premier League typically engages external legal counsel, notably the London-based firm Linklaters, the current influx of cases necessitates an unprecedented level of support. 

Everton’s second PSR case, along with Nottingham Forest’s, must conclude by May 24, preceding the league’s AGM where the next season’s shares are distributed.

These regulations emerged following club pressure to streamline the PSR process, mandating that relevant cases be heard by April 9, with subsequent decisions made before the May 24 appeal deadline. 

Everton’s initial PSR case, initiated last March, will span 11 months until the appeal decision emerges. Conversely, new charges against Nottingham Forest and Everton demand resolution within five months, underscoring strain on the league’s legal capacity.

In contrast, Manchester City’s case operates beyond PSR rules, with timelines dictated solely by the independent commission. Despite Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirming a hearing date, the case faces prolonged delays due to intricate legal disputes.

The Athletic further reported that the league’s legal resources face intense scrutiny, with clubs convening for a two-day shareholder meeting to discuss new financial fair play laws and the proposed ‘New Deal’ supporting EFL clubs. 

Despite initial optimism, recent negotiations have proven challenging, exacerbating pressure on the league’s legal team.