26 Jul 2018 13:40:18
As far as I can see there are two different but linked issues involved in the Watford case.
1. Did EFC break the rules? If they did that ought to be fairly straightforward to prove.
2. Did the alleged rule break cause Watford’s collapse in form? This appears to be virtually unprovable. It might appear to be a logical conclusion to draw but it could have been any number of other factors. I very much doubt that the CPS would take a case with such little hard evidence to court!

{Ed002's Note - (1) Everton are not denying the illegal approach. (2) Watford are not seeking compensation, the CPS is not involved, and this is simply anecdotal and not the issue in hand.

The rules are simple and clear. Everton breached those rules.}

1.) 26 Jul 2018
26 Jul 2018 15:16:11
Ed002: Sorry to keep on boring you on this topic, but if Everton are not denying the illegal approach that Watford are complaining about - and Watford have stated that they know they forfeited the right for compensation (by not following the proposed arbitration process) - what is stopping the authorities from penalising Everton for the illegal approach and be done with it? Do the authorities have to determine the relative seriousness of the “illegal approach” (even if not denied) in order to determine a fair and proportionate sanction - and do they like to take their time while hoping the complaint is resolved (dropped? ) without them?

{Ed002's Note - The authorities woiuld need to form a Board or Commission to deal with the matter, and they would need statements from all concerned parties, Watford, Everton, Marco Silva and Carlos Concalves in order to have all of the facts available to them. There is no measure of the "seriousness" of the approach and it will take whatever time it takes to agree how it will be dealt with.}

2.) 26 Jul 2018
26 Jul 2018 15:26:29
Ed002: Thanks for the explanation.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

3.) 26 Jul 2018
26 Jul 2018 14:10:12
No I wasn’t suggesting the CPS were involved. I was merely pointing out that the two events (I. e rule break and collapse in form) cannot be proven to be connected even though it might be attractive to some people as an explanation. And I think Watford are indeed trying to connect the two!

{Ed002's Note - Watford's compliant is regarding an illegal approach for their manager by Everton. Nothing else.}

4.) 26 Jul 2018
26 Jul 2018 14:10:44
Any thoughts on what the repercussions might be? Are they angling for a points deduction?

{Ed002's Note - If it goes to a Commission hearing the options they have for any punishment are:
- reprimand
- an unlimited fine
- suspend the club from playing in League Matches or any matches in competitions
- deduct points
- impose a transfer ban
- recommend that the League expels the club from membership}