Everton could be docked further points by the Premier League after being charged with a second financial breach earlier this year.
The Toffees had their 10-point deduction, which was originally handed down in November, reduced to six after an appeal against their punishment for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability rules for the period ending with the 2021-22 season.
However, in January they were also charged for breaching the same rules in the period ending with the 2022-23 season, so could yet end up being hit with another sanction.
Blues fans will have to wait to discover the outcome of that second charge, but for now they may be feeling relieved at gaining four points back in their fight against relegation.
Everton are winless in their last nine Premier League games but now find themselves five points clear of the relegation zone.
Everton’s statement on reduced points deduction
A statement from Everton said: “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.
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“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 nine-point deduction that is imposed under the Premier League’s own rules in the event of insolvency.
“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.
Everton’s points deduction has been reduced from 10 points to six, moving them into 15th 📈 pic.twitter.com/zpS4Zhtq5D
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 26, 2024
“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.”