Everton have withdrawn their appeal against their latest two-point penalty for breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
A hearing had been pencilled in for next week, with the Toffees initially set to argue that the deduction should be reduced or withdrawn entirely.
When Everton were slapped with two separate points deductions earlier in the season, they were involved in a relegation dogfight.
Sean Dyche has steered the club to safety, however, with Everton currently 15th in the table.
Everton have withdrawn their appeal over their Premier League points deduction
GETTY
And Everton have now decided to drop their appeal.
"Everton Football Club has withdrawn its appeal of the decision by a Premier League Independent Commission to impose a two-point deduction on the Club for a breach of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules for the accounting period ending in June 2023," a statement read.
"A hearing, scheduled for later this month, will now not proceed.
"And the Club will conclude the 2023/24 Premier League season with the two-point deduction remaining in place."
Everton could, however, still face more punishment.
According to the Telegraph, there remains an 'outstanding issue' which was 'parked by the last commission'.
This is relating to whether interest payments on loans provided for Everton's working capital are due to stadium costs or club operations.
That matter, it's claimed, is expected to be resolved by the start of next season.
But if Everton have breached the rules, then another points deduction is likely coming their way.
The latest development comes after Nottingham Forest's pleas over their own points deduction were rejected last week.
Forest were recently docked four points for breaching Premier League rules.
Yet they're still fighting relegation with that punishment in place.
Meanwhile, Everton are currently the subject of a potential takeover with Miami-based investment group 777 agreeing to buy a 94 per cent stake in the club back in September.
The arrangement is yet to be ratified, however, with 777 suffering financial difficulties in the past month.
And Dyche has admitted it's hard to plan for the future with that issue rumbling on in the background.
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Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/RCdJEQpRF0
— Everton (@Everton) May 10, 2024
"Ever since I got here I have been trying to manage a situation when the goalposts move significantly at any given time," said Dyche.
"That's the shifting sands at this football club, currently.
"I've said many times you want to put a base into the football club to build from and it's not quite there yet."
He added: "We're having to manage different situations the best we can."
Everton are next in action against Sheffield United on Saturday in their final home game of the season.
Sean Dyche has guided Everton to safety this season despite the club being slapped with two separate points deductions
PA
The Blades are already down after enduring a nightmare season.
And Everton will then close out their season with a match away at Arsenal on May 19, with the Gunners dreaming of a first Premier League title since 2004.
