Whilst fears might have been creeping in over recent results on the pitch, the Premier League has sought to wrangle back the limelight as Everton have been charged yet again for financial misconduct.
Having now been referred to yet another independent regulator, it marks a second legal battle for the Toffees to endure as they seek to escape the drop for a third successive season.
And whilst things might seem overwhelmingly negative for the blue half of Merseyside, yet again, there are brief glimpses of positivity that hint towards a light at the end of the tunnel.
However, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has sought to detail just how long that tunnel might be.
What did Kaveh Solhekol say about the Premier League’s Everton ruling?
Speaking live on air just last night, the journalist was quizzed about his thoughts on the news that both Everton and Nottingham Forest had been found in breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
However, it was when asked about a time frame that he seemed the most knowledgeable, revealing that he had been browsing through the 1000-page Premier League handbook just earlier in the day.
He came to the following conclusion, speaking on Sky Sports (16:00 pm, 15/01/23): ‘I think if you look at the Premier League handbook, which I have today, which is almost 1000 pages long, it doesn’t actually have specific dates.
‘What it says is that the accounts have to be in by December 31st, then two weeks clubs have to be informed whether they’ve been charged, then they’ve got two weeks to respond, then there’s another 12 weeks by which time the Commission has to provide its decision, so the actual handbook just talks about weeks, time frames, by which things must be done.
‘It doesn’t set those dates out which we’ve just set out there on the screen. That is what we have extrapolated from looking at the handbook. But you make a very good point, because in the worst-case scenario there could be a lot of confusion at the end of the season as far as relegation issues are concerned.’
Could Everton receive another points deduction?
Although this latest ruling might have fans fearing the worst, there have been numerous reports emerged to quell fears regarding another points deduction.
After all, overcoming their ten-point deficit in November marked an almighty task, and it would take something truly miraculous if they were to replicate that feat.
However, it seems that something would have to have gone seriously wrong if that became a reality, especially after Alan Myers attested that a double jeopardy rule was in effect.
Therefore, the outcome of their current appeal from that previous ruling could prove integral in setting a precedent for the rest of the season.
If they are unsuccessful and forced to retain their ten-point deduction, they would escape punishment from the new breach.
But, if they are cleared of any wrongdoing and see that points deduction lifted, then there would arguably be no new case to answer to given how Kevin Thelwell has steadied the ship and cut back massively since his appointment.
Although on the surface things seem bleak, there are brief notions of positivity that must be held on to for Sean Dyche‘s men.
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