Point deductions are a rarity in the Premier League, with only three teams experiencing such a severe penalty since the league’s inception in 1992.
Everton is the latest addition to this exclusive list, facing a 10-point deduction for violating Financial Fair Play criteria. Let’s delve into the history of Premier League point deductions, a seldom-encountered consequence.
The first instance dates back to January 1997 when Middlesbrough became the inaugural team to suffer a three-point deduction. This punishment stemmed from their failure to fulfill a fixture against Blackburn Rovers in December.
Manager Bryan Robson claimed an inability to register a complete team due to numerous players being absent due to illness or injury. Despite assurances from the Premier League regarding a potential postponement, Boro received a £50,000 fine and a three-point deduction. The subsequent appeal proved futile, resulting in their relegation.
Nearly 13 years later, in March 2010, Portsmouth faced a similar fate. Financial turmoil and irresponsible transfer dealings led to their downfall. Despite a takeover by Ali Al-Faraj, financial difficulties persisted, leading to unpaid wages and a winding-up order for unpaid taxes. Portsmouth’s entry into administration triggered a nine-point deduction, placing them at the bottom of the table.
Fast forward another 13 years, and Everton found themselves in the unfortunate position of being docked 10 points on November 20, 2023. Burnley and Leeds United initiated an investigation into Everton’s finances after significant losses, leading to the largest point deduction in Premier League history. The probe, launched in March 2023, resulted in the severe penalty.
A notable exception to the deduction trend occurred in April 2007 when West Ham United controversially avoided a points deduction for violating third-party ownership laws in the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
Instead, the club faced a £5.5 million fine. This decision sparked controversy as West Ham narrowly escaped relegation, and the drama continued with legal battles with Sheffield United, who were relegated in their place.
While point deductions are infrequent in the Premier League, their impact is profound, affecting team standings, relegation battles, and the overall dynamics of the league.
The Everton case, with its record 10-point deduction, highlights the league’s commitment to financial regulations and the consequences for non-compliance.
