On 17th November 2023, Everton FC and its fans met utter shock when an independent commission deducted 10 points from the team. This point deduction led to the Merseyside club dropping from 14th position to 19th position in the Premier League table. Everton now shares points with Burnley FC, who are in the 20th position.
While several fans and names from the world of football have reacted to this development, many are still confused about why Everton got the biggest point deduction in Premier League history. In this article, we will examine the reason behind the point deduction and conclude how it might affect the team’s campaign.
A 10-point deduction has been handed to Everton Football Club because the club has been found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules, namely the Profit and Sustainability rule. This rule suggests that a Premier League club can lose a maximum of £105m pounds over a three-year period.
However, The Toffees lost £124.5m, which led to them receiving a massive punishment. This decision comes after the Premier League refereed Everton to the independent commission in March 2023. The club admitted to being in breach of the Profit and Sustainability rule in 2021-22.
Later, after a five-day hearing in October 2023, the independent commission gave a judgment in favour of the Premier League. Naturally, the club has expressed disappointment over the point deduction they have received. The Toffees believe the punishment they have received is not fair. They also added they would be appealing.
How will losing 10 points affect Everton FC’s campaign?
When one examines Europe’s best leagues, it’s hard to deny that the Premier League is arguably the toughest of all. Hence, teams need to perform well consistently if they want to compete in England’s top flight in further seasons. Naturally, the road to survive in the Premier League will be tough for Everton FC given their recent point deduction.
Previously, only two teams in England’s premier competition faced point deductions. While Middlesbrough faced a three-point deduction in the 1996-97 season, Portsmouth had nine points deducted in 2010. After suffering these deductions, both teams were unable to keep their spot and suffered relegation.
This stat is certainly not pleasant for Everton FC. Especially when one considers their track record last season. After putting up quite the battle to survive, Sean Dyche’s men finished in 15th position last season, just two spots above the relegation zone. This season as well, The Toffees haven’t had a record worth boasting.
In the 12 games they have played until now, Everton have won four, lost six, and drawn two. These results, mixed with the recent setback of having 10 points deducted, will adversely affect the players’ morale. While the battle for survival will be tough, Sean Dyche and his men have the capability to do what it takes to play in the Premier League next season.