The American goalkeeper 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
that there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over
Howard's omission.
Moyes said: "While Tim Howard was on loan he would not have been
able to play against his parent club, United. But although we have
now signed him ourselves, United wanted the loan clause to remain
in operation.
"It was partly the reason we were able to tie up the deal for next
season as early as we did, we have abided by their wishes."
Moyes recalled reserve keeper Iain Turner from his loan to
Sheffield Wednesday and, with Everton leading 2-0, the youngster's
blunder gifted United the goal which got them back into a match
which they went on to win 4-2.
Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World:
"As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he
could not have played against Manchester United.
"Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have
allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third-party
interference.
"We certainly have no record of an agreement between Everton and
United that Howard could not play on April 8."
Reports on Sunday claimed that the clubs could be punished - even
docked points - if the Premier League proved there was an agreement
between the clubs for Howard to not play.
The more likely outcome is that the Premier League will seek to
tighten up the rules surrounding loan deals between Premier League
clubs.
The Premier League are now waiting for a response from Everton and
United.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2110432,00.html
i was suprised noone post up tis
news...haha...
