Everton Football Club has been dealt a blow with a two-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for the 2022/23 financial year. This ruling comes after an independent Commission found that Everton exceeded the allowed limit by £16.6m, leading to the points penalty.
The Premier League had initially considered a five-point deduction but reduced it to two based on mitigating factors. Despite this decision, Everton has expressed its intention to appeal the ruling, emphasizing its cooperation and early admission of the breach.
As a result of the deduction, Everton now sits in 16th place in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone. The team's upcoming fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will be crucial in their bid to secure their top-flight status.
This marks the second points deduction for Everton in the same season, making them the first club in English top-flight history to face such sanctions. The club has raised concerns about the inconsistency in the application of points deductions by different commissions.
On social media, reactions have been varied, with some questioning the lack of penalties for other clubs, such as Manchester City, who face multiple PSR breaches. Nottingham Forest fans are hopeful for a reduction in their own deduction, while others have taken a more light-hearted approach to the situation.
Despite the setback, Everton remains committed to working with the league on PSR compliance and has initiated the process to appeal the Commission's decision. The club's statement reflects its stance on the matter and its determination to address the issue.