I won’t lose focus over tap-up investigation: Silva
MARCO Silva insists the independent investigation into Everton’s alleged tapping-up of him when he was Watford manager is “not important”.
The Premier League has asked a law firm to launch an inquiry into whether the Toffees made an illegal approach for the Portuguese last season.
Everton wanted Silva to be Ronald Koeman’s replacement after the Dutchman was sacked last October, but, despite an approach to Watford, including the offer of £10m in compensation, they were denied permission to speak to their primary target.
Silva was eventually sacked in January after results took a nosedive, allowing Everton to appoint
him at the end of the campaign after bringing Sam Allardyce’s short-lived reign to an end.
Watford issued a statement claiming the catalyst for their drop-off in results was Everton’s approach which “jeopardised” the long-term future of the club.
The Hornets complained to the Premier League and, despite attempts to mediate, and the £40m transfer of Richarlison from Vicarage Road to Goodison Park, there has been no resolution to the dispute.
“I don’t have thoughts about the situation,” said Silva, whose side host West Ham tomorrow. “I won’t lose my focus, I am really calm and my focus is on what is important for me and for us.”
The investigation is expected to take several months and if it suggests Everton do have a case to answer, the league would then appoint a QC-led commission which would have the power to impose a large fine.
However, a points deduction, which is the most severe sanction, would be unprecedented and highly unlikely.