Threat of points deduction for Everton would be off the table under independent regulator
Richard Keys‘ suggestion of a points deduction for Everton due to financial issues [7 August] would be off the table if an independent regulator is given rule over football, after a new update from the government.
There have been suggestions that an independent regulator could be put in place to watch over football in England, and an update has revealed they would not deliver sporting sanctions including points deductions [Sky News, 7 September].
While the regulator has not yet taken full effect it is thought to have taken a positive step towards being created with this latest update, which could be good news for the Toffees if they wish to avoid harsh sanctions.
Everton have felt the threat of a points deduction as a result of breaching financial rules, with a decision set to be made on the outcome of this investigation in October [BBC], meaning the independent regulator is unlikely to have an effect unless something big happens in the next month.
The investigation by the Premier League is centred around Financial Fair Play breaches, although specifics were not revealed, and the independent regulator would not be given the power to deliver any punishments such as the suggested points deduction, despite Keys’ calls.
The club’s financial issues are looming over them despite having not heard a conclusion, with FFP always an issue when it comes to spending in the transfer market, while there are also questions around tax irregularities in loans made to the club.
Everton have made a loss of over £430million across the last four years, which was described as bizarre by journalist Neil Moxlet [Sunday People, 20 August], after the club blamed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic for their high losses.
Of course, this looks as though it won’t come soon enough for next month’s hearing.
In other Everton news, Dele Alli and Alex Iwobi have reacted to the latest Goodison Park exit.