Everton and the Premier League have announced that the club's ten-point deduction has been reduced to six points after the Toffees launched an appeal against the decision. As a result, Everton have been given a four-point boost in the Premier League table which lifts them above Nottingham Forest and Brentford into 15th place. Most importantly, it moves them five points clear of the relegation zone.
Everton's point deduction of ten points came into effect in November 2023 after they were found guilty of breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules. Clubs are only allowed to lose £105m over a three year period but from 2019-2022, Everton were found to have made a loss of £124.5m.
Everton feel vindicated by appeal
The club launched an appeal and the Premier League have now confirmed the punishment has been reduced. In a statement, Everton said they feel “vindicated” by their decision to appeal. It read:
“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.
Everton's point deduction: Fans react to the reduction
Everton fans were mostly happy with the decision. One Everton fan on social media site, X, posted: “Everton’s chances of remaining in the Premier League have gone up today and I’ll take that. Yes, I’d have liked more points back but it is what it is.” Another fan joked about what the club could now achieve this season, posing the question “Europa League now is it?”.
Other Everton fans weren't completely overjoyed with the decision, especially with more charges looming. One of them warned: “They’ve given four back, but I bet they take them back off us with the 2nd charge! We're bang in trouble here, don't kid yourself.”
Meanwhile, fans of other clubs are confused by the decision. One person on X said: “Clearly Everton broke the financial rules, but did they break them in a 10 points way or a 6 points way? no one knows because it's all made up.”