Everton have been slapped with a two-point deduction after being found guilty of another breach of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
It’s for the second time that Everton are hit with a points deduction this season.
The Sean Dyche-led side were hit with a 10-point deduction in November which was later reduced to six points after the club’s appeal.
“Over a three-day hearing last month, the independent Commission heard evidence and arguments from the club in respect of a range of potential mitigating factors for its admitted breach of £16.6million, including the impact of its two successive PSR charges,” said the Premier League as quoted by the Mirror.
“Having done so, the Commission determined the appropriate sanction to be a two-point deduction, taking effect immediately.
“The independent Commission reaffirmed the principle that any breach of the PSRs is significant and justifies, indeed requires, a sporting sanction.”
The recent deduction has seen the Toffees drop into the relegation mix as they are now two points above the danger zone.
Everton are now on position 16 with 27 points from 31 matches on the Premier League table.
They are two points ahead of Nottingham Forest and Luton Town occupy the 17th and 18th spots on the log table.
Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/MQuaKADY54
— Everton (@Everton) April 8, 2024
However, Everton and its legal representatives have begun the preparations to appeal the commission’s decision.
“In January 2024, Everton were charged by the Premier League for breaching the permitted Profit and Sustainability thresholds for the assessment period ending 2022/23,” reads a statement by Everton.
“The matter was referred to a Premier League Commission, which has today announced Everton will receive an immediate two-point deduction.
“While the club’s position has been that no further sanction was appropriate, the club is pleased to see that the commission has given credit to the majority of the issues raised by the club, including the concept of double punishment, the significant mitigating circumstances facing the club due to the war in Ukraine, and the high level of co-operation and early admission of the club’s breach.
“Everton remains committed to working collaboratively with the League on all matters relating to PSR but is extremely concerned by the inconsistency of different commissions in respect of points deductions applied.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to the Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups for their submissions during this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing patience and unstinting support.”
🚨🔵 Everton have been given a 2 point deduction due to breach of Premier League financial rules.#EFC are now just 2 points above relegation zone, as @David_Ornstein @_pauljoyce reported. pic.twitter.com/VPszHBbwFd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2024
