Everton now ‘confident’ they can avoid second points deduction entirely – sources
Everton are “confident” that they can avoid a points deduction completely in their second hearing, sources have told Football Insider.
The Toffees are set to begin their second hearing with an independent commission next week.
A verdict has been promised by April 8 in accordance with the Premier League’s fast-track regulations which aim to tackle financial breaches within the same season.
Sources have told Football Insider that the Merseyside club have grown in confidence that their penalty could be reduced to zero following the verdict of Nottingham Forest’s hearing.
Forest were given a four-point deduction – six points for the severity of their PSR breach which was then reduced by two due to their compliance with the investigation.
Everton could escape second hearing with no points deducted
Everton faced an initial 10-point deduction in November after exceeding their allowable losses over a three-year period by £19.5million.
Their punishment was reduced to six points after a successful appeal.
Everton are hopeful that double jeopardy will be considered in their second hearing given that two of their last three financial accounts have already been punished in their first charge.
They are also confident that they have acted in good faith and complied with the investigation leaving senior figures hopeful that they will get a similar reduction in their punishment to Nottingham Forest.
There is now a growing feeling at Goodison Park that an expected three-point penalty could be reduced down to zero because of mitigating factors and compliance.
In other news, Nottingham Forest £12m reveal gets stinging response from Kieran Maguire
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