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Everton are poised to be hit with a 12-point deduction in the Premier League which will see them plummet to the foot of the table and threaten their 70-year top flight stay
Everton will plunge to the foot of the Premier League table if their points deduction for allegedly breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules is sanctioned.
The Premier League has recommended a record-breaking 12-point punishment for the Toffees in what looks set to be a landmark ruling. That would seriously jeopardise the club’s hopes of avoiding relegation and bringing an end to their 70-year stay in the top flight.
Everton have been ever-present in the top tier of English football since their promotion in 1954, which they have won on nine occasions. If they do lose 12 points, their points tally would be reset to minus five – and leave boss Sean Dyche with serious work to do.
The Merseysiders have collected seven points from their opening nine Premier League matches this term, and currently sit in 16th place in the standings. They are currently two points above Luton Town (five points) and three above Burnley (four points), who occupy the final relegation spot.
1. Tottenham – 23
2. Man City – 21
3. Arsenal – 21
4. Liverpool – 20
5. Aston Villa – 19
6. Newcastle – 16
7. Brighton – 16
8. Man United – 15
9. West Ham – 14
10. Chelsea – 12
11. Crystal Palace – 12
12. Wolves – 11
13. Fulham – 11
14. Brentford – 10
15. Nottingham Forest – 10
16. Luton – 5
17. Burnley – 4
18. Bournemouth – 3
19. Sheffield United – 1
20. Everton – -5
Sheffield United currently languish at the foot of the Premier League table with just one point from their opening nine rounds of matches, yet they would be six points clear of the Toffees if their points deduction is confirmed.
Bournemouth are currently second-from-bottom and the Cherries remain winless, but they have picked up three draws this term. Andoni Iraola’s side would be eight points above Everton, but the main concern for Dyche would be that his team would be nine points off Burnley – and Premier League safety.
Having narrowly avoided relegation in the closing matchdays of each of the previous two Premier League campaigns, Everton were hoping this season would be more serene. However, a below-par start in results on the pitch will be compounded by a painful points loss. The one redeeming aspect is that it has come early enough in the campaign that Everton will know exactly how much they must do to turn their situation around.
Have Your Say! Will Everton be able to stay up even with a points deduction? Tell us what you think here.
The Premier League proposal would also be the biggest points deduction in its history. Portsmouth were deducted nine points for entertaining administration in 2010, while Middlesbrough were handed a three-point deduction for postponing a game at short notice for not having enough players to field in 1997. Both teams went on to be relegated.
Everton are thought to have recorded financial losses of £371.8million – £266.8m over budget – while they believe they have complied with the rules and will "robustly defend" their position. A financial punishment, transfer embargo or more lenient points deduction are other potential punishments.
Dyche was appointed in January last year when Frank Lampard had left a beleaguered side one place from the bottom of the Premier League standings but guided the club to safety on the final day of the campaign with a win at home to Bournemouth.
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