Premier League chief Richard Masters gives explanation to Everton and Nottingham Forest for ‘small club’ comments

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has clarified his recent comments where he suggested Everton and Nottingham Forest are 'small clubs'.

The football boss landed himself in hot water with his remarks during a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing on January.

Masters says he 'did not intend' to be disrespectful towards the historic English clubs, following criticism from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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

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

Masters replied: "The standard directions [for profit and sustainability rules] are for everybody, they're not just for the small clubs."

Masters was later asked to clarify his comments, and wrote in response that he had 'sought to emphasise that the Premier League's rules apply equally to all clubs'.

"Furthermore," he continued, "I am happy to confirm that, while clubs can be delineated by many different measures, no such criteria or classification is used by the Premier League.

"As I said in my evidence, Everton and Nottingham Forest are valued and respected members of the Premier League.

"Both clubs enjoy successful histories, have strong and passionate fanbases, and make a significant contribution not just to the Premier League's vibrant competition, but also to their cities and local communities.

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

"Indeed, the point I made was the opposite, in that the Premier League board applies the rules consistently, irrespective of the club in question."

Masters' apology comes after Everton fans staged a protest against the Premier League over their 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 are laughing all the way to the bank' while slamming league chiefs.

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

"The panel members are appointed by an independent chair in a process in which the League plays no part, and members of each commission are appointed by that chair independently, again in a process in which the League plays no part," he said.

"Each member of the independent commission that heard this case was a senior and experienced lawyer or financial expert, including one former member of the judiciary."