Kieran Maguire predicts a “very good case” of points for the second FFP hearing in Everton.

Kieran Maguire, a sports finance expert from the University of Liverpool, believes there is a strong argument for Everton to have any further points deduction reduced significantly, possibly by two thirds.

Speaking to i News on February 26 following the appeals board’s decision to reduce

Everton’s initial sanction from 10 points to six, Maguire highlighted the

overlapping assessment periods between the two hearings as a crucial factor.

As profit and sustainability breaches are judged on a three-year rolling basis,

Everton has already been penalized for two of the years to be assessed at the next commission.

Maguire anticipates the likelihood of another sanction, presuming that the Premier League is confident in its assessment of the submissions.

However, he remains positive about Everton’s prospects on double jeopardy grounds,

suggesting that if the second commission views Everton’s position in isolation and reaches a verdict,

there is a compelling case for reducing the penalty significantly.

He suggests that the overlap of two seasons in respect of the assessed periods could

justify a reduction of two thirds in the penalty imposed.

The argument that Everton has already been penalized for two of the three years

and should be exempt from further punishment in relation to them is expected to be

central to their case at the next hearing.

While it may seem logical for the material effect on the club to be based solely on the

new 2023 numbers, the fairness of the entire process has been questioned by many fans.

Maguire’s argument provides supporters with some hope as they await the outcome of the next hearing, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Premier League survival and the impact of potential penalties on the club’s future.

Read more related news updates on sporttoday.co.uk