Everton may have just learned the outcome of their first appeal, but this is set to be just the start.
Having done well to fight their case and win an admirable four points back from the Premier League, it feels like both a moral and literal victory for the Toffees and their legal team.
After all, there were talks of a 12-point deduction initially, and it is reassuring to know that in the end, the decision-makers saw sense.
However, with a second alleged breach to contend with as well alongside Nottingham Forest, this is set to be a short-lived success.
David Ornstein offers some key new information…
What David Ornstein said about Everton’s PSR breach
Speaking to NBC Sports, the journalist was actually one of the first to break the story to the masses, revealing what the Toffees will deem as good news, and what the rest of the relegation-threatened Premier League sides will see as a huge blow.
After all, Luton Town were just one point away from safety with a game in hand, and yet their closest competitor has instantly opened up a five-point gap now as they leapfrogged Brentford and Forest.
Brentford FC v Nottingham Forest – Premier League
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And whilst the latter will likely face repercussions of their own later in the season, Everton are also embroiled in their own PSR scandal despite having already overcome one saga.
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Ornstein would shed some light on that, noting: ‘This case needs to be heard as well as Everton’s second one by around mid-April. There will then be the possibility to appeal, and the Premier League said this has to be wrapped up by the 24th of May in time for their annual general meeting when places are given for next season’s Premier League.
‘That does come a few days after the Premier League season on the 19th of May, so it’s conceivable that this could not be finished before the end of the season, and that has ramifications.’
The precedent has been set by the Premier League
Fortunately for Sean Dyche and his club, the precedent set by this first ruling is one which will certainly benefit Everton in the long term.
After all, they have technically already been tried for two-thirds of the second alleged breach, and therefore any punishment would have to be reduced as such.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton FC – Premier League
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
However, Forest do not boast that same luxury, and whilst it feels like the Toffees have actually been gifted four points rather than having still lost six, the Tricky Trees will not be so fortunate.
It feels an inevitability that they will suffer their own deduction later in the season, and as a fellow relegation battler, it could prove catastrophic.
This has been an arduous and gruelling saga for the Toffees, but in the end, it could now be the catalyst that reignites their season and secures them safety.
