26 February 2024 , 14:03
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Everton have expressed their satisfaction at the Premier League reducing the club's points deduction from an "inappropriate" 10 points to six on appeal.
The Merseyside club had initially been handed a record 10-point penalty in relation to the league's profit and sustainability rules during the 2021-22 accounting period. They continue to await a ruling on separate charges relating to the 2022-23 period, as do fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
The punishment had left Sean Dyche's team at serious risk of relegation, and they are not out of the woods just yet. However, the ruling means they now sit five points clear of the drop zone rather than just one above the dotted line.
In their statement responding to the news, Everton say they are "still considering the wider implications of the decision", while giving their thanks to fan groups and the club's Fan Advisory Board. They also maintain they are "committed to cooperating with the Premier League" in relation to the alleged 2023 breach, news of which surfaced in January.
"While the Club is still digesting the Appeal Board’s decision, we are satisfied our appeal has resulted in a reduction in the points sanction," Everton said in their statement confirming the Premier League's decision. "We understand the Appeal Board considered the 10-point deduction originally imposed to be inappropriate when assessed against the available benchmarks of which the Club made the Commission aware, including the position under the relevant EFL regulations, and the 9-point deduction that is imposed under the Premier League’s own rules in the event of insolvency.
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"The Club is also particularly pleased with the Appeal Board’s decision to overturn the original Commission’s finding that the Club failed to act in utmost good faith. That decision, along with reducing the points deduction, was an incredibly important point of principle for the Club on appeal. The Club, therefore, feels vindicated in pursuing its appeal.
"Notwithstanding the Appeal Board’s decision, and the positive outcome, the Club remains fully committed to cooperating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing proceedings brought for the accounting period ending in June 2023. The Club is still considering the wider implications of the decision and will make no further comment at this time other than to place on record its thanks to our Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups throughout this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing support and patience."
Do you think the correct decision has been reached regarding Everton's points penalty? Have your say in the comments section
Everton drew with Brighton in their most recent Premier League game (Getty Images)“Whatever the Premier League do, they need to get on with it," Everton manager Sean Dyche said in the week before the decision was reached. "Not because I’m frustrated but because everyone in football wants to know what’s happening. Fans of all clubs want a bit of clarity on this.
Dyche's team had pulled themselves out of immediate relegation danger with back-to-back draws in their last two games. They came from behind to take a point at home to Crystal Palace, before a last-gasp goal from Brighton's Lewis Dunk denied them victory at the Amex Stadium.
"At some point, you need payback for the performances,” Dyche told club media after the Brighton game. “The noise changes when you win, I think a lot of the performances across this (winless) run have been very good, probably better than the four wins on the trot [in December] if I am being honest.
"But you have to find wins. So the responsibility is on us to keep performing and turn those performances into wins, that’s our responsibility and mine."
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