Sean Dyche finally responds to Everton facing record-breaking points deduction

27 October 2023 , 13:04

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Sean Dyche faced the music on Friday afternoon (Image: Getty Images)

Sean Dyche has swatted away the "noise" surrounding Everton, as the Premier League look to impose an unprecedented punishment.

The Toffees are facing a 12-point deduction for allegedly breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which would be the biggest points deduction in Premier League history. It's believed the Merseyside club are confident of being clear by an independent commission.

Everton have been accused of going £266.8million over budget by the Premier League. They will robustly defend their case by arguing that exemptions, including those related to Covid, are to blame for the overspend. It's unclear when the matter will end.

Dyche spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since the news of his club's potential punishment broke. Everton are 16th in the Premier League table - just three points above the drop zone - and will face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

"I think there are loads of stories out there nowadays, particularly things of this type," said Dyche when asked about Everton's potential points deduction. "But at the end of the day, the commission will decide. And when they do, we'll find out."

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Dyche was then asked if the potential punishment will increase the pressure on his side. He replied: "No. To be honest, ever since I've been here there's been pressure. There's pressure on all sorts (of things) around Everton Football Club.

"We've been trying to stay calm within lots of different challenges here. I think we mostly have done. (We are) trying to get things right on the pitch or better, certainly, and trying to improve other areas of the club. There's so much noise here, to be honest.

"It's just another part of it. (We are) trying to change the noise into a more positive feel about the club - not just team, the whole club. We're trying to work to do that. Every time you're just about getting there, another thing comes up. It's one of them things."

Everton are in danger of relegation (Getty Images)

What's your thoughts on Everton's proposed points deduction? Let us know in the comments below!

If implemented, Everton's points deduction would be the biggest in Premier League history. Middlesbrough were handed a three-point deduction for failing to field a team in 1997, while Portsmouth were deducted nine points for entertaining administration in 2010.

Worryingly for Everton, both Middlesbrough and Portsmouth went on to suffer relegation in their same season as receiving their respective deductions. If the punishment was implemented today, the Toffees would find themselves on -5 points. Other punishments are also on the table for the cash-strapped club, such as a fine or a transfer embargo.

Premier League chiefs are yet to break their silence on the news of Everton's proposed points deduction, which was first reported by The Telegraph. The last time they spoke about Everton's alleged breaches was in March, when they announced the commission.

A Premier League spokesperson said: "The proceedings before the commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the commission's final award will be published on the Premier League's website. The league will be making no further comment until that time."

Tom Blow