Everton could have their points penalty reduced due to the ‘unique’ nature of their relationship with Alisher Usmanov.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Toffees can use Usmanov and their stadium construction in their defence.
Everton were handed a 10-point penalty after being found guilty of breaching financial regulations last month.
However, the Merseyside club have since appealed the decision made by the independent commission, meaning a new board will be appointed to the case.
Everton’s deduction dropped them down to joint-bottom of the Premier League with just four points, however, Sean Dyche’s side climbed up to 18th in the table with a win over Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Toffees will now await the verdict of their appeal to find out whether or not their 10-point deduction will be reduced.
Maguire believes Everton have valid arguments when it comes to their stadium cost and relationship with Usmanov.
Usmanov previously had a £30million deal in place for the naming rights of Everton’s new stadium, but the deal collapsed after he was sanctioned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I think if there will be any adjustment to the penalty, it will be a reduction of their points punishment,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“I can’t see it turning into a financial penalty.
“Everton will argue that there is no sporting benefit gained from their financial costs related to a new stadium which won’t be ready until 2025.
“Some of the other avenues that Everton have explored I don’t think are directly relevant.
“Citing Portsmouth’s penalty in 2009 is an interesting argument but the Premier League will point to Birmingham City’s points deduction for a much smaller breach.
“Richard Scudamore’s comments in 2013 also stated that points deductions were the appropriate tariff.
“It will have also have been said in Premier League meetings but Everton didn’t attend these and therefore filed no objections.
“At the same time, there is a case to argue that some of the penalties are unique – especially regarding the relationship with Alisher Usmanov.
“So Everton could push for a suspended penalty based on future compliance with financial regulation.“
In other news, Kieran Maguire verdict on Everton landing another points deduction ahead of crucial announcement soon
