The Toffees are set to appeal the verdict handed down by the Premier League, which is the largest points-related sanction issued in the history of English football’s top flight.
Everton’s ten-point deduction plunges the Merseyside club into the bottom three, joint on four points with basement club Burnley after what has been a relatively promising start to the season for Dyche’s men.
The decision mirrors Leeds United’s ten-point deduction in 2005/06 which was brought by the Football League for the club entering administration. It was followed months later, with the team by then in League One, by a separate 15-point deduction for failing to exit administration correctly.
Everton’s punishment is not quite as severe as the 30-point deduction handed to Luton Town in 2008/09 which caused the Hatters to drop out of the Football League, nor is it as many as the 21 points Derby County were docked in 2021/22 for financial difficulties. However, the ten-point decision is the largest deduction issued to a Premier League club. Only two other sides have been docked points whilst competing in England’s top flight: Middlesbrough – 3 points in 1996/1997 for failing to fulfil a fixture – and Portsmouth – 9 points for entering administration in 2009/10.
Here is every points deduction in the English league system since the beginning of 2013/14 compared to the new sanction faced by Everton.
1. Macclesfield Town - 17 points
Macclesfield were hit with four separate points deductions during the 2019/20 season. The Silkmen were deducted four points for failing to both pay their players' wages and to fulfil a fixture, reduced from six after appeal. A further seven-points were docked for failing to play a match against Plymouth Argyle and an additional two-point deduction was given for breaches of regulations over non-payment of wages. Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Wigan Athletic - 12 points
As a result of Wigan Athletic entering administration during the 2019/20, the club was subject to a 12-point deduction, which resulted in their relegation from the Championship. Photo: Lewis Storey
3. Bolton Wanderers - 12 points
That same year, Bolton Wanderers were also deducted 12 points for entering administration. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
4. Bury - 12 points
Prior to going out of business entirely, Bury were deducted 12 points by the EFL for insolvency. They were expelled from the EFL on 27 August, 2019. Photo: Lewis Storey
5. Everton - 10 points
Everton's 10-point penalty is the largest ever handed out by the Premier League, but could be reduced on appeal. Photo: Nathan Stirk
6. Coventry City - 10 points
Coventry were docked 10 points in 2013/14, only confirming their Football League membership on the eve of the new season. Photo: Pete Norton