Everton were informed of the decision in their points deduction appeal a week before it was made public.
The news surfaced on February 26 that four of the previously withdrawn ten points would be returned on appeal, although the full text of the decision shows that the club’s attorneys were told of the outcome on February 19.
It was provided on a confidential basis to identify mistakes, and the final publication date was agreed upon by the parties, Everton and the Premier League.
Point 57 of the “reasoned decision” on page 18 of the appeals panel’s order states: “We indicated at the close of the hearing that we would provide our decision by the end of February 2024. On February 19, 2024, the parties’ solicitors received a confidential draft of this Decision to detect typographical problems before publication, as per High Court and Commission practice.
“We got a few extra comments on peripheral issues, and this completed version has taken those concerns into account where applicable. The Board asked the parties to agree on a timeline for distributing and publishing the Decision.
“The parties agreed that the Decision would be issued by February 26, 2024, and we have obliged. This decision is unanimous, as each member of the Board has contributed fully and equitably.”
Everton gets four points back after a profit and sustainability breach appeal.
The length of time it took for the decision to be made was raising understandable concern among Toffees fans and outsiders alike.
However, a date of February 19 fits roughly in line with the mid-February expectation for an outcome during the three-day hearing [talkSPORT, January 30].
For all intents and purposes, the fans and players were arguably the ones who suffered the most from not knowing, therefore the fact that the information was shared with the club and the league on a confidential basis did not help them.
This development appears to finally put an end to one significant source of uncertainty that has typified Everton’s season, but two more remain.
The second profit and sustainability referral must now be decided, with the lowered punishment for the first having a significant impact on it.
And, perhaps most importantly, the Premier League must make a judgment on the 777 Partners takeover, with Richard Masters accused of “arrogance” and “discrimination” as the process drags on beyond the statutory timetable.
