'Can't Judge Midway Through The Season': Sean Dyche Speaks Out on Everton's Revised FFP Rule Breach Punishment

Down but not out for the count. This has been the tale of Everton’s season so far in the Premier League this season, as Sean Dyche has led the Toffees through adversity at its finest, to glide away from relegation.

The real worries for the Merseyside club set in when the Premier League announced that Everton would be docked 10 points in November for violating the FFP rules. But, in a fortuitous turn of events, the penalty was reduced to six points on Monday following an appeal.

Despite the happy news, that allows Everton to gather four more points to propel their season away from relegation, Dyche stated the deduction of points halfway through the season was not fair.

“What I’ve learned from the process and what I would suggest is they can’t judge you in the middle of the season,” the English manager told reporters ahead of his side’s home league game with West Ham United.

“Surely it’s better to do it at the end of the season and going into the new season? Any sanction won’t be taken off you there and then but will be for the new season…

“You then have roughly three months (in pre-season) to do whatever you need to be the best competitive outfit you can be even with your sanctions.”

Profit and Sustainability Rules state that Premier League clubs are permitted to lose a maximum of £105m over a three-year period. Everton were initially been deducted 10 points because their accounts show that they have breached this limit in recent years.

This loss, which was £19.5m over the permitted limit, was described by the Premier League as “a serious breach that requires a significant penalty”. What’s more, the league viewed the club’s transfer dealings in this period as “recklessness that constitutes an aggravating factor” — effectively the nail in the coffin for the Toffees.

But, Everton aren’t the only club in trouble with the League regarding FFP rule violations. Defending champions Manchester City also have 115 charges hanging over their head, dating back to 2009, and have seen various punishments speculated on – including a big fine, points deductions and removal from the English top-flight.

(with inputs from agencies)