EFL news: Middlesbrough release statement on Derby County compensation claim
Middlesbrough have released a statement regarding a compensation claim against fellow Championship side Derby County
The statement reads:
"MFC is aware of the media speculation regarding its claim against Derby County and has read last night's statement by the EFL. The club wishes to ensure that, to the extent possible given that the arbitration claim is confidential, the full facts are in the public domain, rather than ill-informed speculation."
Why are they making a claim now?
"MFC became aware that Derby County was cheating under the P&S Rules during 2018/19. MFC first intimated a claim against Derby County in May 2019 immediately following the end of the 2018/19 season. The claim was held in abeyance whilst the EFL Disciplinary Proceedings against Derby County were followed through to a conclusion.
"MFC then sent Derby County a Letter Before Action in the autumn of 2020 and started arbitration proceedings against Derby County in January 2021. Derby County used various procedural tactics to seek to delay the proceedings and as a result the claim has yet to be finally determined. MFC is not responsible for the delay. Had it been finally determined, and an award made in favour of MFC, there would be no dispute that MFC would be a Football Creditor."
Reaction
A statement from Middlesbrough FC https://t.co/K1VLy0Hy7k
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 18, 2022
The situation has been discussed heavily on Twitter. One fan posted: "If you break the rules and try to hide it its cheating what other way can it be explained."
Another replied: "You can't break a rule that doesn't exist. It took two tribunals to determine that Derby's amortisation method wasn't appropriate. If it hadn't taken so long to flag up the issue, Derby could have adjusted their spending accordingly."
The situation is bound to develop. Stay tuned for more.
