Broadcaster drops ’embarrassing’ Everton verdict amid latest FFP development
A View from the Bullens co-host Benj Winstanley has hit out at the Premier League amid reports that Everton are facing a 12-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday (25 October) that Everton are now looking at the severe sanctions, which would put their long-running status as a top-flight club at serious jeopardy, if found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s rules.
However, broadcaster Winstanley has questioned the timing of the report and argued he does not believe any sanctions will be as severe as made out.
“Funny thing is we worked alongside the premier league with all our accounts, will be embarrassing for themselves,” he posted on Twitter on Wednesday (25 October). “In my opinion it will be “suspended” punishment.
“However I feel the timing of the premier league and the articles released is nothing short of a disgrace.”
Worst-case scenario
Everton supporters have been bracing themselves for the verdict from this ongoing case, which is expected to arrive at some point next month.
Many may have been expected a massive fine, plus further court action from clubs previously relegated at the Toffees’ expense.
A points deduction had also been mooted, but a 12-point deduction really would be severe, and would surely mean relegation.
If that sanction kicked in today, it would put Everton on minus five points – 10 adrift of Luton Town, who occupy 17th place.
It would not be an insurmountable margin to make up, but the Toffees’ early-season form suggests they would have a huge mountain to climb.
As for the timing of this report via The Telegraph, it is somewhat understandable given this is a high-profile case that will have big ramifications.
It must be remembered that this is very much the worst-case scenario, and it will unlikely be the last doom-mongering article that emerges in the coming weeks.
It is probably for the best that Everton fans just wait for the official verdict when it does eventually arrive.
In other Everton news, Jamie Carragher was left raging at the latest FFP development.