The Premier League is to investigate why Tim Howard did not play in Everton's 4-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Howard was left out of the game at Goodison Park last weekend as part of the agreement which saw the keeper complete a permanent switch to The Toffees in February.
The United States international originally joined Everton on loan, but signed a five-year contract after United accepted an undisclosed offer.
Toffees boss David Moyes confirmed prior to the game that Howard would be omitted from his side as a result of the deal struck with the Premiership leaders.
But the Premier League has confirmed it will ask the two clubs about the agreement as it could contravene league regulations.
"We will be contacting both clubs as a matter of urgency to find out what has gone on," Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World.
"As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he could not have played against Manchester United.
"Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third party interference.
"We certainly have no record of an agreement between Everton and United that Howard could not play on April 28."
West Ham United were recently fined £5.5million for fielding Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who were owned by a third party.
link
Could be interesting....surely if West Ham end up getting points deducted then so should these two.
Howard was left out of the game at Goodison Park last weekend as part of the agreement which saw the keeper complete a permanent switch to The Toffees in February.
The United States international originally joined Everton on loan, but signed a five-year contract after United accepted an undisclosed offer.
Toffees boss David Moyes confirmed prior to the game that Howard would be omitted from his side as a result of the deal struck with the Premiership leaders.
But the Premier League has confirmed it will ask the two clubs about the agreement as it could contravene league regulations.
"We will be contacting both clubs as a matter of urgency to find out what has gone on," Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World.
"As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he could not have played against Manchester United.
"Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third party interference.
"We certainly have no record of an agreement between Everton and United that Howard could not play on April 28."
West Ham United were recently fined £5.5million for fielding Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who were owned by a third party.
link
Could be interesting....surely if West Ham end up getting points deducted then so should these two.
Comment