Watford stand by complaint to Premier League over ‘illegal’ Everton approach for manager Marco Silva last season

Watford have decided to continue their complaint to the Premier League over Everton’s approach for Silva last season, seven months before they eventually hired him as manager

Marco Silva is the subject of an official complaint from Watford over Everton's approach last season (Reuters)

Watford are standing by their complaint to the Premier League over Everton’s approach for manager Marco Silva last season after failing to reach a compensation fee during talks, a statement from the Vicarage Road club said.

Last season saw Watford reject an approach from Everton for then-manager Silva, which was understood to include a £9m payment in compensation, only to sack the Portuguese in January after results had dipped dramatically.

Watford initially reported Everton to the Premier League, who requested a mediation process between the two clubs in an effort to resolve the matter, while the Toffees decided not to renew Sam Allardyce’s contract at the end of the season and appoint 41-year-old Silva in his place.

But with talks to find a resolution proving unsuccessful, Watford have issued a statement to clarify that they are sticking with their complaint over what they feel was an “illegal approach” last season.

“The club have made an official complaint to the Premier League over an allegation of an illegal approach to former manager, Marco Silva,” a club statement read. “The complaint to the Premier League makes clear the seriousness of the allegation and what the club believes is overwhelming evidence of a clear breach of Premier League rules.

“At the request of the Premier League we entered into mediation with Everton in a process that involved club officials and their respective legal teams, with no conclusion being reached.

“Therefore the disciplinary process continues. In pursuing its disciplinary claim, the club has known from the outset it forfeited any right to compensation as a consequence of not following a proposed arbitration process.

Silva took over the Everton job in the summer (Reuters)

“We believe this situation is not about a compensation figure but the principle of making a stand when the actions of one Premier League club completely undermine and cause intrinsic damage to a fellow member club.

“We trust in the Premier League to fully investigate the complaint and we will comply with that process.”

The ill-feeling from Watford towards Everton for their approach did not prevent the two clubs from doing business over Brazilian striker Richarlison, who earlier this week completed a move to Goodison Park for a £40m fee that could yet increase