Everton chief says 'robust case' being prepared against second Premier League charge

Everton’s interim chief executive has insisted the club is preparing "the most robust case possible" against a second alleged breach of Premier League spending rules.

Ahead of Everton's home game with West Ham United on Saturday, Colin Chong publicly welcomed the reduction in the original 10-point penalty for breaching profit and sustainability regulations. That sanction, the most severe deduction in English top-flight history, was reduced to six points this week after the Blues made headway in their appeal.

Representatives of Everton enjoyed success on two key points - how the original punishment appeared disproportionate and the accusation the club had not approached some of the arguments with the "utmost good faith". The challenges to those points were central to the reduction in the original penalty.

Chong praised those who had acted on the Blues' behalf in the appeal and, acknowledging the club faced a second allegation that is also set to be dealt with this season, added: "Premier League rules and legal guidance does not permit me, or the club, to share any details at this stage of the second commission hearing, or the arguments that will be put forward. However, I assure you we will prepare the most robust case possible in our defence."

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He also moved to place “on record” his gratitude for the fan initiatives that highlighted serious issues with the process Everton were subjected to. Organisations including the Fan Advisory Board and the 1878s were prominent in efforts to showcase concerns around the governance of the Premier League and what was widely