Everton and Premier League knew points deduction appeal verdict a week before announcement
Everton were aware of the verdict in their points deduction appeal a week before it was publicly announced.
The news broke on 26 February that four of the previously-removed 10 points were being returned on appeal, but the full text of the judgment shows that the club’s lawyers were informed on 19 February of what the outcome would be.
It was provided on a confidential basis for the purpose of identifying typos, and the final publication date was agreed between the parties, Everton and the Premier League.
Point 57 of the “reasoned decision” on page 18 of the appeals panel’s decision says: “We indicated at the end of the hearing that we would provide our Decision by the end of February 2024. In accordance with the practice of the High Court and adopted by the Commission, a draft of this Decision was provided to the parties’ solicitors on 19 February 2024 on a confidential basis to enable them to identify
any typographical errors before publication.
“We received a few additional comments on peripheral matters, and this finalised version has taken those comments into consideration where appropriate. The Board invited the parties to agree a timetable for distribution and publication of the Decision.
“The parties agreed between themselves that the Decision should be handed down on 26 February 2024, with which we have complied. This Decision, to which each member of the Board has fully and equally contributed, is unanimous.”
Everton get four points returned after profit and sustainability breach appeal
The length of time it was taking for the decision to emerge was causing plenty of understandable disquiet among the Toffees fanbase, and outside it.
But a 19 February date falls roughly within the mid-February expectation for an outcome at the time of the three-day hearing [talkSPORT, 30 January].
For all intents and purposes though it is arguably the fans and players for whom the negative effects of not knowing were the greatest, so the fact that the information was shared with the club and the league on a confidential basis didn’t help them.
This development looks to finally put to bed one major element of uncertainty that has characterised this Everton season, but there is still two more to get through.
The second profit and sustainability referral must now be ruled upon, with this reduced punishment for the first to have a key bearing on it.
And, perhaps above all, a decision from the Premier League on the 777 Partners takeover must be reached, with Richard Masters accused of “arrogance” and “discrimination” as the matter rumbles on towards double the standard timeframe.
In other Everton news, Martin Samuel raged at a referee over a “horrendous” incident with a Toffees player and wants him disqualified.
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