Everton could have their points deduction reduced following an appeal, according to finance expert Kieran Maguire, who has delivered a fascinating insight into the case.
Earlier this month, the Toffees were penalised for breaching financial fair play rules and as a result, they received the heaviest points punishment in Premier League history.
It was determined that Everton's profitability and sustainability rules [PSR] calculation for the period ending 2021-22 resulted in a loss of £124.5 million, which exceeded the threshold of £105 million.
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The commission concluded that a sporting sanction in the form of a 10-point deduction should be imposed.
But the club confirmed they would appeal as Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, labelled the outcome as a "wholly disproportionate and unjust ruling" by the Premier League’s commission.
Sean Dyche's side, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, are now sat in the relegation zone following this month's points deduction.
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That being said, finance expert Kieran Maguire believes Everton could end up with a reduced sentence once the appeal has been heard by a new independent panel.
Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire explained: "Everton’s punishment is broadly in line with the suggested tariff of the Premier League, although the commission didn’t take that into consideration. It’s certainly at the upper end of the scale.
“Given that this is very much a test case, I think there is certainly justification for saying it should have been a smaller points deduction with a further deduction suspended.
“The commission then could have made it very clear that future indiscretions from a financial point of view would have been treated more severely and to give guidance to clubs.
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“I think one of the frustrations from Everton’s point of view is that the breach was only £20million over three years.
“Now that is a lot of money to the average person in the street, but to a business which is turning over £200million a year – you could argue that it’s less so.
“There’s a lot of things to be learned from it."
Maguire added: "We know the Premier League were pushing for 12 points and I think they were trying to use that as a benchmark going forwards.
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“But I think Everton will not end up with 10 points once the appeal has been heard.“
As mentioned earlier, Everton will appeal the decision and have until December 1 to submit it. The Premier League will then have seven days to respond to the appeal, according to Sky Sports, before it goes to the appeals commission.
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Everton, Premier League, England, Sean Dyche