Staff Reporter.
Everton Football Club have withdrawn their appeal against a two-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.
The Merseyside club were given the punishment after an independent commission found they breached profit and sustainability regulations (PSR) for the three-year period to 2022/23.
Everton spent £16.6 million ($20.7 million) over the £105 million threshold during that period.
But with their Premier League safety now guaranteed, they have decided to drop the appeal.
“Everton Football Club has withdrawn its appeal of the decision by a Premier League Independent Commission to impose a two-point deduction on the Club for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules for the accounting period ending in June 2023,” a club statement said on Friday.
“A hearing, scheduled for later this month, will now not proceed, and the Club will conclude the 2023/24 Premier League season with the two-point deduction remaining in place.”
Everton’s appeal had been set for next week and a verdict was due before their final game of the season at Arsenal on May 19.
But Sean Dyche’s side reeled off home wins against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford to lift them away from the relegation zone and secure their top-flight status.
Everton had been plunged into the relegation battle after a 10-point deduction, which was reduced to six on appeal in February for PSR breaches in the three-year period to 2021-22.
Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest had an appeal against their four-point deduction for breaching PSR rules rejected on Tuesday.
Timeline to Everton cases
24 March 2023: Premier League refers Everton to independent commission over alleged breach of financial fair play rules for the three-year accounting period ending with the 2021-22 season.
17 November 2023: Everton receive an immediate 10-point deduction after being found to have breached the Premier League’s financial rules.
15 January 2024: Everton and Nottingham Forest are charged by the Premier League for breaches of the league’s profit and sustainability rules.
26 February: Everton’s first penalty for breaching Premier League financial rules is reduced from 10 points to six after an appeal.
Week commencing 25 March: Hearing for Everton’s second charge, relating to three-year accounting period ending in 2022-23, takes place.
8 April: Everton receive second points deduction, this time docked two points, 10 May: Everton withdraw appeal against second points deduction and 19 May: Final day of the Premier League season.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.