Everton have responded after being hit with yet another points deduction for breaching the Premier League's financial rules.
The club were rocked by a ten-point penalty back in November for breach of the league's Profit and Sustainability rules that was later reduced to six on appeal.
However, the Toffees have now been given an immediate two-point deduction after being referred to an independent commission for the three-year accounting period ending in the 2022-23 campaign.
As a result Sean Dyche's side have fallen to 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.
In response to the latest deduction the Toffees released a statement on the club website announcing their intention to appeal.
Everton have announced their intention to appeal after receiving another points deduction for breaching Premier League financial rules
The Toffees had previously been hit with a ten-point penalty in November that was later reduced to six on appeal
'In January 2024, Everton were charged by the Premier League for breaching the permitted Profit and Sustainability thresholds for the assessment period ending 2022/23.
'The matter was referred to a Premier League Commission, which has today announced Everton will receive an immediate two-point deduction.
'While the Club’s position has been that no further sanction was appropriate, the Club is pleased to see that the Commission has given credit to the majority of the issues raised by the Club, including the concept of double punishment, the significant mitigating circumstances facing the Club due to the war in Ukraine, and the high level of co-operation and early admission of the Club’s breach.
'Everton remains committed to working collaboratively with the League on all matters relating to PSR but is extremely concerned by the inconsistency of different commissions in respect of points deductions applied.
The latest blow for Sean Dyche's side leaves them just two points above the relegation zone
'The Club would like to place on record its thanks to the Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups for their submissions during this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing patience and unstinting support.
'The Club and its legal representatives have begun the preparations to appeal the Commission’s decision. No further comment will be made at this time.'