Everton points deduction appeal: Premier League punishment reduced to six points, boosting relegation fight

In November 2023, Everton were deducted 10 points by an independent panel after being referred by the Premier League for breaching the English top flight's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The decision sent shockwaves through English football as a set of regulations many assumed to be toothless showed unexpected bite.

After being lumbered with the biggest points penalty in Premier League history, Everton launched an appeal against that punishment. They played on in the aftermath in a manner for which players and manager Sean Dyche deserve credit, winning four straight league matches in early December to boost their survival bid. However, a run of just one victory in 13 games in all competitions since has meant they enter March 2023 just a point outside the drop zone.

The decision on Everton's appeal was announced on February 26. The appeal board ruled that the deduction should be reduced from 10 points to six, which would be applied with immediate effect.

Everton said in a statement: "We understand the Appeal Board considered the 10-point deduction originally imposed to be inappropriate when assessed against the available benchmarks of which the club made the Commission aware, including the position under the relevant EFL regulations, and the nine-point deduction that is imposed under the Premier League's own rules in the event of insolvency.

"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."

 Everton, Nottingham