Kieran Maguire: ‘Strong chance’ Everton points deduction appeal goes through with new timeline
Kieran Maguire has reported that there is a strong chance the appeal from Everton over their 10-point deduction will be issued soon, possibly before the end of the week.
The finance expert explained that the process would focus on the money spent on building the new stadium and whether or not the club gained sporting benefits as the independent panel ruled.
It was also suggested that Everton would use Queens Park Rangers as an example after the West London club proved Financial Fair Play rules when they were promoted to the Premier League and were given a financial penalty.
Maguire was speaking on The Price of Football podcast [30 November] as he shared the information: “From what I understand, there is a strong chance the appeal from Everton in respect of the 10-point deduction, the appeal to come in pretty soon, potentially by the end of this week.
“I would imagine it’s going to focus firstly in relation to the stadium – one of the conclusions reached by the commission was that spending more money gives you a sporting benefit. In the case of a football stadium which has not yet been built, I can’t see how that can give you a sporting benefit.
“I’d imagine that’s going to be one route that the Everton team that’s going to be representing them will go down.
“The other one is that, when the offence was committed, there was no known tariff. Everton might have thought, in good faith, that it would result in a financial penalty. They will have pointed out that Queens Park Rangers were given a financial penalty when they breached Financial Fair Play rules.”
Time to get the process going
Since the decision was made to hand Everton a 10-point deduction, it has widely been accepted that the club would appeal the ruling. It seems it is now time to get that process going, and the club will believe they have a strong case to make.
After protests from fans and neutrals alike, the appeal case will determine Everton’s punishment completely and finally, whether the decision is altered or not, with the club hoping to see the points deduction reduced or even possibly removed entirely.
With examples ready and waiting to be provided, with QPR at the front of those given their FFP breaches previously are the most compatible case although slightly different, there is hope that they can come to a more reasonable conclusion.
There is no debating Everton broke the rules, but the severity of the punishment has come under scrutiny in what is ultimately an unprecedented case with new laws and new punishments ready to be dished out.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has hit out at Andy Burnham after his recent claims.