Kieran Maguire has fired shots at the Premier League as Everton await a decision on a potential third points deduction.

The Toffees were hit by two separate points deductions by the Premier League last season, with the commission unable to come to a conclusion over a £6,561,000 discrepancy related to stadium spending interest [The Times].

With the situation still unresolved, there is a fear that the Blues could be slapped with another points deduction, but it has been argued that would be undeserved to punish any loans used to build Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Speaking via The Price of Football podcast [2 January], Maguire said: “Farhad Moshiri and some other parties leant money to Everton Football Club, and according to the sources we’ve heard, those rules said the purpose was to assist Everton in their working capital – the day-to-day running of a business, paying for electricity and transfer fees.

“If that is the case, the interest on those loans does go into your PSR calculations. However, when you borrow money, it tends to go into your bank account.

“If you borrow £150m, some of it will have been used for electricity but Everton have been receiving regular invoices from a construction company – those payments will be for the construction of the stadium.

“The interest on those loans is added to the cost of the stadium, which is, therefore, excluded from PSR because infrastructure costs are allowance for PSR purposes. It is absolutely ridiculous to penalise Everton Football Club for a stadium which is not available until the summer. They’ve not gained a sporting advantage, therefore, there should not be a sporting sanction.”

Everton points deduction fear raises its ugly head

Despite The Friedkin Group’s successful takeover attempt, who have now rid the club of its existing debt [The Esk], they are still awaiting a verdict on a potential third points deduction.

The Premier League is extremely unpopular at Goodison Park, especially after hitting the Toffees with two points deductions last term, and those frustrations have been brought into the current campaign.

Sean Dyche’s side are currently in a rather precarious position, with just two points separating them from the relegation zone, so it would be a travesty to see £6.5million push them into the dropzone.

The manager is under a tremendous amount of pressure, which has been temporarily eased with draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, but time is running out to turn things around.

Another points deduction would likely seal the club’s fate before the season has even finished, but given how long the Premier League have taken over their decision, it could still be a while until any decision is confirmed.

In other Everton news, one star has been told it’s “now or never” to leave Goodison Park for a “bigger club”.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Related Posts