Everton is bracing for their hearing regarding their second Premier League financial charge, with Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol indicating that the proceedings are scheduled for either this week or the next.
Following an initial deduction of six points for financial breaches earlier in the season, which was later reduced to four points after an appeal, Everton now faces the prospect of further punishment with their second charge.
Solhekol revealed that a new three-person panel will preside over Everton’s second charge, although the precise timing of the hearing remains confidential. However, it is anticipated that the proceedings will occur after the resolution of the Nottingham Forest case.
“There will now be a new three-person panel who will hear Everton’s second charge,” said Solhekol, as per Sky Sports. “The Premier League never give any information about when these hearings are. That is totally confidential.
“But my understanding is that the Nottingham Forest case was going to be dealt with first and then we are going to have the second Everton case dealt with.
“It’s very likely that the Everton hearing is going to be this week or next week and we should know the decision from that independent panel in the next two or three weeks.”
The recent sanction imposed on Nottingham Forest, resulting in a four-point deduction for financial breaches, has heightened Everton’s scrutiny of the Premier League’s disciplinary actions. While this development offers some solace to Everton, as it indirectly impacts their relegation rivals, the Toffees remain embroiled in a precarious battle to secure their Premier League status.
Sitting in 16th place, a mere four points above the relegation zone, Everton’s position is far from secure. The impending second charge only adds to the pressure on manager Sean Dyche and his squad to deliver results on the pitch.
The tumultuous start to 2024 has underscored the challenges facing Everton, who must now navigate the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of their impending hearing while striving to secure vital points in their relegation battle.
With their next opportunity to bolster their tally slated for the end of the month against Bournemouth, Everton faces a pivotal juncture in their quest for Premier League survival.