Everton’s former chief, Keith Wyness, has hinted that the Merseysiders might face a third points deduction later in 2024, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Wyness, who served as CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now advises elite clubs through his football consultancy, expressed his concerns on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. He described the pending verdict as “just another cloud which won’t move away.”
Following Everton’s recent deduction of two points on April 8 for a second breach of the top-flight Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), bringing their total deductions this season to eight points, the ongoing dispute between the club and the Premier League over borrowed money to fund the stadium continues to loom large.
The Independent Commission Report’s Section 20 sheds light on this unresolved issue, confirming that a resolution will not be reached before the current season ends.
Wyness speculated that a final verdict on the matter might not be delivered until around Christmas, deviating from the standard timetable for resolving such disputes.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Quite strangely, they’ve said they will be moving away from the standard timetable to resolve this.
“So I think it will be next season.
“The whole thing will likely get underway at the start of 24-25, with an outcome at Christmas.
“That’s what I expect. But to have this hanging over us now is just another dark cloud which won’t move away.
“I hope that in the off-season there is a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting and an amnesty put in place, with new rules introduced.”
“I’m hoping that will be the way forward.”
He suggested that the process might extend into the next season, with an anticipated outcome by Christmas of the 2024-2025 campaign. Despite hopes for clarity in the offseason, Wyness emphasized the lingering uncertainty as yet another challenge for the club to navigate.
Expressing his desire for resolution, Wyness called for a comprehensive review and the introduction of new rules, envisioning a path forward that clears the shadows of uncertainty hanging over Everton. He expressed hope for a constructive dialogue and the implementation of measures to address the club’s challenges effectively.