Premier League clear clubs over Howard - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Premier League clear clubs over Howard

The Premier League are satisfied that neither Manchester United nor Everton broke any rules over the transfer of Tim Howard.

The League contacted the clubs to find out exactly why the American goalkeeper did not play in the Premiership match between them at Goodison Park last week.

Howard joined Everton on a season-long loan deal from United last summer, which became a permanent deal in February. Premier League rules on loan deals prevent players from playing against their host club but, once the Howard deal became permanent, he was eligible to play against United on April 28.

The Premier League would not have sanctioned the permanent transfer if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

But before the match Everton boss David Moyes appeared to suggest there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over Howard's omission.

However, a statement from the Premier League confirmed: "At the time of Tim Howard's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Everton, the Premier League ensured there were no agreements in place that contravened our rules.

"As a result of recent comments we had sought further clarification from both clubs and are satisfied that it remains the case that there were no agreements that breached any of our rules.

"Everton were free to play Tim Howard in their fixture against Manchester United had they so wished - and this has been confirmed by both clubs."

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