Everton in turmoil 10 points docked over finances

Everton have been docked 10 points, the heaviest punishment ever handed to a Premier League team, for breaching financial rules, opening them up to the prospect of paying tens of millions in compensation to a group of other clubs. Leeds, Leicester, Burnley and Southampton, who were relegated in recent seasons while Everton stayed up, have threatened previously to take legal action and a ruling from David Phillips KC in May agreed the clubs could apply for compensation through the Premier League if Everton were found to have breached financial rules. Each club has 28 days to pursue a claim against Everton, who find themselves second from bottom, two points from safety, after the deduction. Any compensation award will be decided by the Premier League commission which investigated Everton’s breach. Under Premier League rules, clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over three years. The commission found Everton overreached their allowed losses by £19.5m and concluded: “This was a serious breach that requires a significant penalty.” The commission found the club’s transfer business, as they attempted to stave off relegation, “was recklessness that constitutes an aggravating factor”. Everton said they were “shocked and disappointed” by the punishment after an investigation by an independent commission and would appeal. The appeal will be concluded before the end of the season. The severity of the punishment surprised Everton, who feel a sporting sanction for what they believe is a disagreement over accountancy