Everton have had a verdict returned on an appeal against breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations, which saw the Merseyside club hit with a 10-point deduction earlier in the season and placed them in the relegation zone. The Toffees have now been successful in their appeal and they will be handed four points back.
A club statement reads: “The club is also particularly pleased with the Appeal Board’s decision to overturn the original Commission’s finding that the club failed to act in utmost good faith. That decision, along with reducing the points deduction, was an incredibly important point of principle for the club on appeal. The club, therefore, feels vindicated in pursuing its appeal.
“Notwithstanding the Appeal Board’s decision, and the positive outcome, the club remains fully committed to cooperating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing proceedings brought for the accounting period ending in June 2023.
“The club is still considering the wider implications of the decision and will make no further comment at this time other than to place on record its thanks to our Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups throughout this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing support and patience.”
After the initial charges and the points deduction, Everton were then also charged for a second time, for allegedly breaking Profitability and Sustainability rules (PSR).
Nottingham Forest were hit with the same charge by the Premier League, with both club’s cases are expected to be resolved by May 24 at the latest; five days after the final day of the 2023/24 season.
A statement released by Everton following their first charge in November said: “Everton Football Club is both shocked and disappointed by the ruling of the Premier League’s Commission.
“The club believes that the Commission has imposed a wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction. The club has already communicated its intention to appeal the decision to the Premier League.
“The appeal process will now commence and the club’s case will be heard by an Appeal Board appointed pursuant to the Premier League’s rules in due course.
“Everton maintains that it has been open and transparent in the information it has provided to the Premier League and that it has always respected the integrity of the process.
“The club does not recognise the finding that it failed to act with the utmost good faith and it does not understand this to have been an allegation made by the Premier League during the course of proceedings.
“Both the harshness and severity of the sanction imposed by the Commission are neither a fair nor a reasonable reflection of the evidence submitted.”
