- Everton docked two more points for financial breaches
- Toffees drop to 16th in the table
- Three promoted teams still favourites for the drop
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Everton deducted a further two points
Everton have incurred a two-point deduction from the Premier League for a second violation of the league’s financial regulations. This penalty stems from a breach of the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), with an independent commission finding Everton exceeding the allowable £105 million loss over a three-year period, specifically by £16.6 million for the period up to 2022-23.
As a consequence of this deduction, Everton have slid down one spot to 16th in the Premier League standings, now holding a precarious two-point buffer above the relegation zone.
This is not the first time Everton has faced sanctions for financial breaches. In February, they had received a 10-point deduction, which was later reduced to six points upon appeal, related to the financial period up to 2021-22.
In their defence, Everton have presented mitigating circumstances, including previous penalties incurred earlier in the season, revenue losses due to the suspension of a sponsorship deal with a Russian company, and a prompt admission of guilt.
However, the club intends to contest this latest decision through an appeal process. Nevertheless, there remains the possibility of further punishment looming over Everton concerning interest costs linked to the construction of their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Resolution on this matter is unlikely before the season’s conclusion.
Concerns have been voiced by Everton over the inconsistency of punishments across various clubs this season. They await the outcome of their appeal with keen interest.
Beyond these regulatory issues, Everton find themselves amidst a period of significant transition. Ownership of the club is in the process of changing hands, pending approval from the Premier League, while construction progresses on a new stadium along the banks of the River Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The situation underscores the intricate challenges faced by football clubs in navigating financial regulations while balancing the imperative of investment with the need for long-term financial stability.
Betting Implications
As the season enters the final stages the scrap for survival is taking shape. At the time of writing Everton are 5/1 to be relegated and 1/8 to avoid the drop, with bet365. In previous seasons the points deductions may have placed them in greater danger, however, the three promoted clubs have, for a variety of reasons, found it very difficult to bridge the gap between the Championship and the top flight this season and, according to the bookies, are all likely to make an immediate return to the EFL. The only time this has happened was in the Premier League era was season 1997/98 when Barnsley, Bolton and Crystal Palace all went down.
The odds on teams being relegated and on teams staying up are in the following table.
To be relegated | Not to be relegated | |
Sheffield United | 1/200 | 33/1 |
Burnley | 1/16 | 9/1 |
Luton Town | 4/7 | 5/4 |
Nottingham Forest | 2/1 | 4/11 |
Everton | 5/1 | 1/8 |
Brentford | 20/1 | 1/66 |
Crystal Palace | 20/1 | 1/66 |
The state of play without the points deductions to Everton and Nottingham Forest would make the survival scrap even more conclusive. But with the current situation with PSR the situation is more doubtful and may not be resolved until after the final fixtures.
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