Everton are in hot water as the Premier League has recommended a whopping 12-point deduction for allegedly breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The Toffees, who have narrowly escaped relegation in the past two seasons, are accused of breaching the league’s financial regulations. The Premier League is determined to set a strong example and wants Everton to face severe consequences.
If found guilty, Everton could face the maximum punishment of a massive 12-point deduction. This would leave them at the bottom of the table with -5 points, a position that would have seen them relegated in previous seasons. It would also mark the largest points deduction in Premier League history.
In 2010, Portsmouth received a nine-point deduction for entering administration, while Middlesbrough were penalized three points for postponing a game due to a shortage of players in 1997. Both teams ended up being relegated.
Even without such a severe punishment, Everton is already considered one of the favorites for relegation. They currently sit in 16th place, just three points above the drop zone. If they were to receive a 12-point deduction, they would find themselves 11 points adrift from safety.
An independent commission is currently reviewing Everton’s case, and they will have the final say, not the Premier League. Everton argues that they have complied with the rules and will vigorously defend their position. They attribute their financial losses of £371.8 million, which exceeded their budget by £266.8 million, to various exemptions, including those related to the Covid pandemic. They are confident that these explanations will satisfy the independent commission.
Aside from a hefty points deduction, other potential punishments on the table include fines, a transfer embargo, or a more lenient deduction of points. However, the Premier League is pushing for the harshest penalty possible.
Adding to Everton’s troubles, the club is currently embroiled in a takeover saga. American company 777 Partners is in the process of acquiring Farhad Moshiri’s 94 percent stake in the club. The takeover is expected to proceed as planned.
The Premier League first announced Everton’s alleged breaches in March but has remained tight-lipped on the matter since then. They have stated that the proceedings before the commission will be confidential and heard in private. The commission’s final decision will be published on the Premier League’s website, as per league rules.
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