Everton catastrophe as two football rivals calling for 'strong' punishment amid points deduction threat
Everton could face a points deduction if found guilty of breaching Premier League rules
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On Wednesday, it emerged Everton could be docked 12 points for Financial Fair Play breaches.
And reports say two football clubs are pushing for the Toffees to be slapped with a 'strong' punishment after recording losses of almost £372million over a three-year period.
Everton, if found guilty of breaching the rules, could be docked a huge 12 points.
If that was to be enforced this season, it would leave Sean Dyche's side rooted to the bottom of the table - and under immense threat of relegation.
Football rivals Leeds and Burnley want the Premier League to issue a 'strong' punishment for Everton
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The Premier League want Everton to be punished firmly. An independent commission will, however, have the final say.
Everton will, per the Daily Mail, point to the only other case of a club being deducted points for financial issues in the Premier League.
That was when Portsmouth were docked nine for entering administration back in 2010.
Everton could have a points deduction reduced, however.
Any deduction may not come into place this season, with the timing of any punishment said to be 'at the discretion of the commission.
Some of the points that would be deducted might even be suspended, too.
It's claimed Burnley and 'especially' Leeds have pressured the Premier League 'to issue a strong punishment'.
Both teams have been relegated in recent seasons with Everton being able to beat the drop.
But it appears they're now turning of the Toffees and want them to be stuck.
Everton, who are still mourning the death of chairman Bill Kenwright, deny any of the offences.
When news of the case broke back in March, they issued a statement that read: “Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision to refer an allegation of a breach of profit and sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review.
“The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations.
“Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission.
"The club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.
“The club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Everton have endured a difficult start to the new season.
They've won just two matches so far, while also amassing seven points.
They're 16th in the table, ahead of only Luton Town, Burnley, Bournemouth and Sheffield United.
Meanwhile, manager Sean Dyche recently came out fighting and said he wasn't concerned about a potential punishment.
"I know what I need to know and that's enough for me," he said.
"I don't need to add in another level of someone's opinion.
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Everton insist they haven't breached Premier League rules
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"I know what I know from inside, it is often irrelevant what someone is saying from the outside because I know what's going on."
On the independent hearing, Dyche added: "I've stepped into the middle of it but it's certainly not something that involves me as manager, but sort of distantly does from the fact that I am manager.
"I am sure there are people talking about lots of different things.
"I'm just looking at what we can control and I certainly can't control that side of the club.
"I will wait and see the outcome, what it is and when the timelines are. I don't know any more than that."