Everton’s steady downfall across the last few years has been nothing short of catastrophic for all those involved within the club, from the playing staff who have put themselves in that position, to the fans forced to continue watching their struggles.
Goodison Park is far from a nice place to be lately, but since Sean Dyche’s appointment, there was been a slight glimmer of hope that at least some semblance of normality could be restored to proceedings.
Evertonians the world over would now crave safe mid-table finishes, foregoing their recently held ambition in favour of guaranteed safety.
However, such a notion has been thrown into further doubt following a report made by The Telegraph, who suggest that the Premier League have demanded a 12-point deduction as punishment for the Toffees’ numerous FFP breaches.
Penned by John Percy, Tom Morgan and Sam Wallace, they combine to suggest: ‘Everton are facing the threat of severe sanctions if they lose their fight against allegedly breaking the Premier League’s financial regulations, with a decision due later this year.
‘Premier League has recommended the punishment to be extremely severe, and up to a maximum of 12 points. Such a sanction would put them in grave risk of going down, given the team’s relegation battles in recent seasons and precarious current position of 16th, three points off the relegation zone.’
Will Everton get a points deduction?
Whilst the report in question seems to be suggestive that a cruel punishment is set to come, with their recent fiscal losses it would be hard to argue against it.
That being said, the club have come out to suggest they will ‘robustly defend’ their position of innocence, having since complied with all of the restrictions imposed on them in recent years.
Major sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, for £60m and £45m respectively, will go a long way towards avoiding severe sanctions, and over the last three windows, the club has actually posted a net profit of £69m.
Another major frustration, which Everton must seek to use as ammunition, is the reported 115 FFP breaches Manchester City are also faced with. Should Everton’s sole financial breach merit a 12-point deduction, then the precedent set should see the Etihad outfit wiped off the face of the earth, by the Premier League’s punishment guideline.
There remains a long way to go in this case, which the Toffees will surely continue to fight with all of their might. Should they be able to prove their compliance following what has been a rough few years, in which COVID and their new stadium have rinsed them financially, then the commissioners will have no leg to stand on regarding dishing out the toughest punishment.
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