Three possible outcomes of Everton’s second FFP hearing – with decision imminent

Everton Football Club is on the cusp of learning whether they will face a second points deduction this season, with a decision expected imminently, possibly as early as Monday. The club has already suffered a six-point reduction, initially set at ten but reduced on appeal, for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) over the period from 2019 to 2022.

Now, Everton has admitted to another breach for the period extending to 2023, which could lead to further sanctions. A football finance expert has outlined three potential outcomes from Everton’s upcoming Financial Fair Play (FFP) hearing. The first, and seemingly least likely, is a financial penalty without points deduction, which contradicts the Premier League’s stance that points deductions are the necessary response to PSR breaches.

The second possibility is a deduction similar to the initial penalty in their first case, which could be seen as overly harsh. The most probable outcome, according to the expert, is a smaller points deduction, potentially around four points, considering the overlap of the PSR periods and the notion of double jeopardy.

The timing of the decision is crucial as it could significantly impact the relegation battle. Everton, currently sitting 15th in the league, could drop closer to the relegation zone if penalized. The uncertainty of the situation is compounded by the fact that both Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are also facing penalties, may appeal any decisions, with the Premier League setting a final date of May 25th for appeals to be resolved. This date falls after the season’s end, meaning Everton could end the season uncertain of their Premier League status.