Everton: Reporter shares update on possibility of further points deduction live on Sky Sports
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor has provided an update following reports that Everton are at risk of a further points deduction this season.
The Times reported via their website on Thursday (30 November) that Everton are concerned they may be “flying close to the wind again” ahead of submitting their latest accounts.
This comes on the back of the Toffees being docked a record 10 Premier League points earlier this month for breaching financial rules.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News on Thursday [30 November, 15:38], O’Connor said: “There’s been reports coming out today centred around this year’s accounts, which will be lodged for this year and will go in next month.
“Basically, the situation is similar to what has happened already insomuch as [focus being on] the interest payment on the stadium and whether Everton are sailing close to the wind with regards to profit and sustainability rules.
“If there were to be a breach in those accounts, then an investigation would effectively be fast-tracked as it’s a relatively straightforward case and would therefore be done by May and see any punishment impact on Everton this season.
“But this is a situation at the moment that has lots of ifs, buts and maybes. One certainty at the moment is that Everton have already been hit with a 10-point deduction, but they are going to appeal that tomorrow.”
Here we go again
Just when you thought it could not get any worse, Everton now face the prospect of being docked even more points.
As O’Connor says, it is pretty much hearsay at this point with regards to whether the Toffees are seriously at risk of another penalty.
The fact it will be dealt with before the end of the season could be a blessing or a curse.
As things stand, Everton cannot afford to be docked so much as another point as they look to drag themselves out of the bottom three.
On the flipside, at least the punishment will not be hanging over our heads like before, and the club will know exactly what is needed to survive in a season in which the sides at the bottom are as weak as ever.
The situation basically remains the same for Everton’s players, though, in that they need to just keep getting points on the board.
Losing to Manchester United last week was a setback, but the trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (2 November) presents a chance to hit back.
No matter what the Premier League throws at us, let’s keep a positive mentality and back the players to get us over the line.
In other Everton news, two key players were not present in training at Finch Farm two days out from the Forest game.