LONDON – Everton Football Club has successfully appealed against their hefty penalty for breaching Premier League financial rules, with their points deduction reduced from 10 to six.
This development provides a significant boost to the club as they continue to battle relegation in the Premier League.
The initial punishment was imposed in November after an independent commission found Everton had exceeded permitted losses under the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSRs) by £19.5 million ($25 million) over an assessment period ending with the 2021/22 season.
This ruling, the largest points deduction in Premier League history, left Everton struggling in 19th place in the table, fighting to avoid relegation.
However, an independent appeal board has decided to cut the punishment by four points, lifting Everton to 15th place in the table, providing them with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining.
In a statement released on Monday, the Premier League explained, “Two of those nine grounds were upheld by the appeal board, which has substituted the original points deduction of 10 for six.”
FILE: In this photo Everton FC player Jarrad Branthwaite is seen celebrating a goal in the Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion played on 13th February 2024.
The appeal board found legal errors in the original commission’s decision, particularly in its assessment of Everton’s communications regarding debt linked to their new stadium.
While the appeal board acknowledged that Everton’s representations about the stadium were materially incorrect, it concluded that this was an innocent mistake rather than a deliberate attempt to mislead the Premier League.
Everton expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the appeal, particularly with the decision to overturn the original finding that the club had failed to act in utmost good faith.
They emphasized their commitment to cooperating with the Premier League in ongoing proceedings related to financial matters.
The reduction in points deduction comes at a crucial time for Everton, who are not only striving to avoid relegation but are also facing another possible points deduction after being charged with breaching rules for a second time in January, for the seasons up to 2022/23.
Despite their challenges, Everton remains determined to maintain their status in the top flight.
The club, with its rich history and dedicated fan base, is striving to overcome these obstacles and regain momentum in the Premier League.
