Everton have responded to being charged with breaching the Premier League's spending rules.
The club immediately vowed to "robustly defend" themselves against the charge that they broke the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations by overspending last season.
Everton have become just the second Premier League club to be charged with breaking financial rules after Manchester City were hit with 101 charges covering a nine-year period last month.
Everton appeared surprised to be charged, but quickly made clear their intention to contest it vigorously.
"Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League's decision to refer an allegation of a breach of Profit & Sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review," they said.
"The Club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations.
"Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission. The Club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times. The Club will not be making any further comment at this time."
