Any potential Everton points deductions for their alleged breach of the Financial Fair Play rules in the 2021/22 season would take “months and months” to decide upon, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
The announcement was the result of a ten-month investigation that started when Leeds United and Burnley wrote to the Premier League about the Merseyside club’s £371.8million losses over the three years prior to the 2021/22 season – a number that surpasses the maximum £105million limit. [The Guardian, 24 March]
Speaking live on Sky Sports on Friday afternoon (24 March), Solhekol admitted that he didn’t think that the case would be wrapped up in time to award points deductions to Everton this season.
He said: “Now, this process is going to take a while. I know there are going to be some Everton fans thinking, ‘could we get a points deduction that could affect our chances of staying up at the end of this season’, I don’t think it is going to be that quickly.
“It will take months and months. And of course, the Premier League and ultimately, the commission, can say that Everton should be fined or there should be a points deduction.
“If that happens, both sides can still appeal, they do have the right of appeal, then it would go back to the chair of the judicial panel, Murray Rosen, to set up a new appeal panel, who would hear the appeal.”
Small relief
Although Everton is in dire trouble and could face severe long-term consequences due to their unstable finances, at least their 2022/23 season won’t be affected.
With Sean Dyche waving his magic wand over the Toffees in recent weeks and ensuring that the club is far better equipped to avoid relegation than under Frank Lampard, a points deduction this campaign would have been a bitter blow.
As it is, Solhekol’s update highlights that the charges are an issue to worry about next season, or possibly even the year after that, in terms of potential points penalties.
The club’s hierarchy and the Goodison Park faithful will be hoping that the maximum penalty for the alleged breach is a hefty fine, and nothing more.
Everton is already in a terrible financial situation due to the cost of their new Bramley Moor Dock Stadium, so everybody associated with the club on Merseyside will hope for a swift resolution to these charges.
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