Everton jump to 15th place in Premier League table after points deduction is reduced following appeal
Everton successfully appealed their initial 10-point deduction for breaching Premier League spending regulations, resulting in the restoration of four points to their tally.
Initially handed the largest points penalty in top-flight history back in November, Everton found themselves embroiled in the relegation battle despite a strong start to the season.
However, following their appeal, an independent commission has reduced the penalty to six points.
As a result, Everton now climb two places in the table, currently sitting in 15th position on goal difference, pending Brentford’s match on Monday night.
They now hold a five-point buffer from the relegation zone, with a total of 25 points.
‘Shocked by the initial harshness and severity’
A statement from Everton on Monday afternoon confirmed: ‘An Appeal Board has concluded that the points deduction imposed by an independent Premier League Commission in November be reduced from 10 points to six points, with immediate effect.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
Everton had been ‘shocked and disappointed’ by the ‘harshness and severity’ of their initial punishment, with it even eclipsing the nine-point penalty handed to Portsmouth in 2010 for going into administration.