Everton Deducted 10 Points for Breach of Premier League Rules

Everton Football Club has been hit with a 10-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. The punishment takes effect immediately, dropping Everton into the relegation zone. The club has expressed shock and disappointment and plans to appeal the decision.

Unfair Sanction, Everton Claims

In a statement, Everton protested the severity of the penalty, arguing that it does not accurately reflect the evidence presented. The club called the decision disproportionate and unjust. Everton also stated that they had been open and transparent throughout the process and did not understand the allegation of a lack of good faith. The club will closely monitor other cases involving the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Previous Points Deductions in Premier League History

Everton’s 10-point deduction marks the largest penalty ever imposed by the Premier League. Previous deductions include:

• Middlesbrough: 3 points deducted for failure to fulfil a fixture in 1996/97
• Portsmouth: 9 points deducted for entering administration in March 2010
• Tottenham: 12 points initially deducted in 1994/95 for financial irregularities, later reduced to 6 points and eventually revoked

Impact on Everton’s Table Position

As of now, Everton was 14th in the Premier League, 8 points clear of the relegation zone. However, with the deduction, the team now finds itself in a precarious position in the lower half of the table.

Reason for the Deduction: Breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules

Everton admitted during a five-day hearing that they had violated the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The independent commission determined that the club’s calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of £124.5m, exceeding the £105m threshold permitted under the rules.

Next Match: Everton vs Manchester United

After the international break, Everton’s next match is against Manchester United at home on November 26. The game kicks off at 4:30pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Everton’s Tricky Fixture List

• Manchester United (H) – Sunday November 26, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
• Nottingham Forest (A) – Saturday December 2, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports
• Newcastle (H) – Thursday December 7, kick-off 7.30pm
• Chelsea (H) – Sunday December 10, kick-off 2pm
• Burnley (A) – Saturday December 16, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Background: Everton’s Breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules

Everton came under scrutiny in March when the Premier League referred the club to an independent commission for potentially breaching profit and sustainability rules. Last month, a hearing was held, during which Everton pledged to defend their position. The specific nature of the violation has not been disclosed, but it is believed to involve interest payments related to the construction of the club’s new stadium.

Everton’s Response to the Sanction

In response to the ruling, Everton expressed shock and disappointment. The club intends to appeal the decision and has already communicated its intention to the Premier League. Everton believes the sanction to be excessively harsh and unjust. The club will await the appeal process and hopes to present its case to an appeal board appointed by the Premier League.

Leicester’s Response and Potential Legal Action

Leicester City, which was relegated to the Championship last season, is exploring potential legal action in response to Everton’s deduction. Leicester finished below Everton by just two points, and the deduction, had it been imposed last season, would have kept Leicester in the Premier League. While no official statement has been released by Leicester, discussions are ongoing about the possibility of pursuing a legal claim against Everton. However, any potential claim would likely focus on financial reparations rather than seeking reinstatement to the Premier League.

Insight into Everton’s Financial Situation

Understanding Everton’s financial situation sheds light on the breach of profit and sustainability rules. The commission found that Everton’s losses in the 2021/22 period amounted to £124.5m, surpassing the permitted threshold of £105m. Factors contributing to these losses include financial challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant investments in player recruitment and wages, as well as cost-cutting measures due to disappointing on-pitch performance. Additionally, the loss of commercial funding previously provided by Alisher Usmanov has added to Everton’s financial strain.

The Appeal Process and Expectations

Everton’s appeal will be heard by an appeal board appointed by the Premier League. The club aims to present a robust defense and challenge the severity of the sanction. The appeal process is expected to proceed quickly, as the Premier League has established rules to ensure prompt resolution. The entire process, including potential appeals, should conclude within a maximum of three months.

Given the uncertainty surrounding profit and sustainability rules, this case has attracted significant attention in the football community. Everton’s appeal will be closely watched, and its outcome may shape future interpretations and application of these rules.