Threats of a point deduction prompt Premier League chief Richard Masters to grant Nottingham Forest’s request.

Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, has been asked by the chair of the UK Government’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) to clarify his comment about Everton and Nottingham Forest being a “small club.” The remark was made during a DCMS Select Committee hearing last week when Masters appeared in front of its members.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Member of Parliament for Gosport, wrote to Masters asking: “I would be grateful if you could clarify what criteria the Premier League uses to classify ‘small clubs’ and which clubs it regards as small.” Masters came under fire for the comment in the wake of charges brought against Everton and Nottingham Forest for alleged breaches of financial fair play rules.

Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, has been asked by the chair of the UK Government’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) to clarify his comment about Everton and Nottingham Forest being a “small club.” The remark was made during a DCMS Select Committee hearing last week when Masters appeared in front of its members.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Member of Parliament for Gosport, wrote to Masters asking: “I would be grateful if you could clarify what criteria the Premier League uses to classify ‘small clubs’ and which clubs it regards as small.” Masters came under fire for the comment in the wake of charges brought against Everton and Nottingham Forest for alleged breaches of financial fair play rules.

Both Everton and Forest have been referred to an independent commission with the former set for a second appearance at a hearing over FFP charges having already been hit with a ten-point deduction last year, plunging Sean Dyche’s side into a potential relegation battle this season. “Nottingham Forest acknowledges the statement from the Premier League confirming that the club has today been charged with a breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability Rules,” a statement said.

“The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution.” Dame Caroline has now written formally to Masters and in a press release issued on Friday outlined her concern with the phrase ‘small clubs’.

“Richard Masters’ implication that nine-times league title winners Everton and double European Cup winners Nottingham Forest are ‘small clubs’ will have raised eyebrows with fans,” Dame Caroline said. “To suggest clubs are categorised according to size raises wider questions about whether every member of the league truly does receive treatment that is fair and consistent.