Clubs avoid Premier League inquiry into allegations of tapping up
Friday 22 February 2019 18:15, UK
Everton have agreed compensation with Watford for manager Marco Silva.
Reports on Friday claim the compensation is in the region of £4m and, in reaching the agreement, the clubs have avoided a Premier League inquiry into allegations the Toffees 'tapped-up' the Portuguese.
Watford made an official complaint to the Premier League last year regarding an "unwarranted approach" from Everton for Silva in 2017.
The league subsequently set up an independent inquiry into whether the Merseyside club broke rules on 'tapping-up'.
Successive settlement attempts through mediation failed and the league planned for a three-man commission, led by a QC, to consider any findings.
But this has not been necessary after the clubs finally agreed compensation 15 months following Everton's initial interest in Silva to succeed the sacked Ronald Koeman.
Silva had been enjoying a successful season at Watford but results declined after the interest and he was sacked by Watford on January 21, 2018.
Upon Watford's subsequent complaint to the Premier League in May last year, the club said: "The club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership."
