Everton say they plan to appeal and are “extremely concerned” by the “inconsistency of different commissions” after being deducted two points by the Premier League for a second breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Toffees have been punished again following their 10-point deduction in November, which was later reduced to six points on appeal and related to the three-year period to 2021/22.
The Premier League allows clubs to lose £105 million over three years but an independent commission found Everton went £16.6m above the limit for the three-year period to 2022/23.
They were found to have gone £19.5m over for their first deduction, and manager Sean Dyche said at the end of March that he hoped their hearing over a potential second breach would “come to nothing”.
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The ruling leaves Everton two points above third-bottom Luton Town with a game in hand and a 10-goal superiority on the Hatters.
Nottingham Forest, who are immediately behind Everton and level on points with Luton, were deducted four points in March for a breach of £34.5m but have appealed against the ruling.
Everton statement on points deduction
“While the club’s position has been that no further sanction was appropriate, the club is pleased to see that the commission has given credit to the majority of the issues raised by the club,” an Everton statement said.
“[These include] the concept of double punishment, the significant mitigating circumstances facing the club due to the war in Ukraine and the high level of co-operation and early admission of the club’s breach.
“Everton remains committed to working collaboratively with the league on all matters relating to PSR but is extremely concerned by the inconsistency of different commissions in respect of points deductions applied.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to the Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups for their submissions during this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing patience and unstinting support.
“The club and its legal representatives have begun the preparations to appeal the commission’s decision.”
Dyche’s side beat Burnley on Saturday for their first league win since December 16 to end a 14-game winless run in the top flight.
Everton have seven days to formally lodge an appeal. They are next in action when they visit Chelsea in seven days’ time.
