Everton is currently facing the possibility of a second points deduction due to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. This comes after the club was initially docked 10 points earlier in the season for a similar violation, a penalty that was later reduced to six points upon appeal. The focus is now on a second charge, with a three-day hearing having taken place last month. The outcome of this hearing could be announced as soon as today, in line with the timelines specified in the Premier League handbook.
Nottingham Forest, another Premier League club, is closely monitoring the situation with Everton, as they have faced their own financial penalties this season. Forest was deducted four points for breaching financial rules but has appealed against this sanction. The appeal is expected to be heard this month, with the Premier League setting a deadline of May 24 to resolve both clubs’ financial issues, just five days after the season’s final fixtures.
The financial regulations in question allow top-flight clubs to incur maximum losses of £105 million over a three-year period, a figure that is reduced to £61 million for promoted teams. Nottingham Forest admitted to exceeding their limit by £34.5 million. Everton, on the other hand, is accused of breaching the threshold for a second consecutive period, with their accounts for the year ending June 2023 showing underlying losses of £89.1 million, despite the sale of Anthony Gordon.
This financial scrutiny comes at a critical time for both clubs, as they are embroiled in a relegation battle. Everton sits 15th in the table with 29 points, while Nottingham Forest is in 17th place with 25 points following a recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The two teams are set to face each other in a crucial match at Goodison Park on April 21, which could have significant implications for their Premier League survival.