Everton lodge appeal against two-point penalty

LONDON, England (AP):

Everton have appealed against their two-point deduction for breaking financial rules, and the English Premier League (EPL) wants a verdict to be reached before the last round.

The relegation-threatened Everton were docked two points last week for overspending in a three-year spell up to the end of the 2022-23 season. It was a second deduction this season, with Everton having already had six points removed - reduced from 10 following an appeal - for breaching spending limits from 2019-20 to the 2021-22 season.

Nottingham Forest, who are just above the relegation zone like Everton, have also been punished for the same offence and announced they have appealed.

Forest's hearing against a four-point sanction has reportedly been scheduled for next week, and the EPL has said it will do all it can to ensure Everton's appeal outcome in advance of May 19 - the final day of the season - "for clarity and certainty for all clubs and fans".

Everton were two points clear of the bottom three heading into a match at Chelsea yesterday, one of its two games in hand. Forest are one point and one place clear of the relegation zone.

Everton admitted to breaching the permitted loss threshold under the league's profit and sustainability rules by PS16.6 million (US$21 million) for the second offence.

The independent commission which imposed the sanction disclosed in the written reasons for its decision that the EPL initially sought a five-point penalty.

This was reduced to two by the commission after mitigation was considered, notably that it felt the club was being punished twice in the same overlapping period.

Everton will be aiming to achieve further reduction through the latest appeal.

A nine-time English champions, Everton have been ever present in the top division since 1954.