Everton to be ‘served’ another ‘two to three point deduction’ as ‘ludicrous’ FFP twist leaves Dyche seething

Everton are once again facing potential penalties in the Premier League, which could result in a deduction of "two to three points," following claims that they are set for another hearing regarding their second breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

After a nearly three-year investigation into the club's finances, Everton received a significant 10-point deduction back in November for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

This immediately placed them in the bottom three of the Premier League. Despite this setback, Everton managed to climb out of the relegation zone with improved performances, led by Sean Dyche and his team's fighting spirit.

However, financial concerns have continued to plague Everton's season, and although an appeal reduced the initial penalty to six points, a second punishment was confirmed on Monday, resulting in another two-point deduction.

This has caused Everton to slide back to 16th place, with only a slim two-point margin above the relegation zone, intensifying their battle for survival.

The situation could worsen as former CEO Keith Wyness disclosed that the Premier League is not finished with Everton yet.

Allegedly, an independent commission found a breach of £16.6m, while the Premier League insists the actual figure exceeds £23m, primarily due to interest payments related to stadium costs, which Everton claims are directly linked to stadium construction.

The hearing for the latest alleged breach is expected later this year, and it remains uncertain whether it will affect this season's standings or result in Everton starting the 2024/25 campaign with a negative points tally.

Wyness expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that legal matters rather than football results are now influencing the Premier League table and potentially relegation outcomes.

Wyness said: “The third hearing is focusing on what now appears to be the Premier League arguing against auditors.

“Everton’s auditors have approved the six interest payments to be capitalised, which means they should be classed as stadium costs and not fall under PSR.

“The Premier League are now trying to be arbiters of accounting rules, which I find very strange.

“You would have thought it could be resolved in the last hearing.”

Wyness feels another penalty imposed against the Toffees would be ludicrous and is angry at the way the situation is being handled.

“To have it dragging on is ludicrous. From my own assessment, it could be another two to three points.

“I don’t think it will go that far, but that’s what Everton are facing.

“Tables are now being decided not just by lawyers, but now by accountants.”