There are certain weeks that can have a significant impact on a club’s season, and then there are weeks that can shape a club’s future. Everton finds themselves in the latter situation. On Monday, they have a crucial Premier League home game against Crystal Palace, a team they have previously defeated in their last 11 matches.
However, Everton’s recent victories have been short-lived. They were eliminated from the FA Cup in the fourth round by Luton, just ten days after their triumph in the third-round replay. Additionally, Everton is awaiting a verdict this week regarding their appeal against a 10-point deduction for violating Premier League profit and sustainability rules. The outcome of this appeal will have significant consequences for the club.
If the appeal is successful, Everton will regain the points they lost and strengthen their defense against a second charge brought against them. However, if they lose the appeal, not only will the 10-point deduction stand, but there is also a higher risk of facing another points deduction before the season ends. This second charge covers a substantial portion of the period for which Everton has already been found guilty of a £19.5m breach. Considering Everton’s current situation with their debt, uncertain ownership status, and interim management, they are at serious risk of being relegated to the Championship in their final season at Goodison Park. Palace may think they have problems, but Everton’s predicament is equally concerning.
Unless Everton can secure the return of the 10 points, which seems unlikely given their admission of breaching the rules, the threat of their first relegation in 73 years is very real. Everton has emphasized that their appeal is their main priority since being charged by the Premier League for the second time in January. This appeal has taken precedence even in their commercial updates, as evident in the first paragraph of the recent update from the chief commercial and co.