Everton have had their 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules reduced to six after an appeal.
The Toffees were sanctioned for financial breaches relating to the 2021-22 season and received their initial punishment in November.
But the club appealed that verdict and have seen four points restored to their tally — a move that changes the complexion of the relegation battle.
Today’s announcement sees Sean Dyche’s side jump above Nottingham Forest and Brentford to 15th in the table with a five-point cushion to 18th-place Luton.
The Hatters now sit four points clear of safety, while Burnley and Sheffield United are 11 adrift.
Everton and Forest both await their penalty for breaches relating to the 2022-23 campaign, however, meaning more deductions could follow.
The Toffees’ statement read: “Everton can confirm an Appeal Board has concluded that the points deduction imposed by an independent Premier League Commission in November be reduced from 10 points to six points.
“The club remains fully committed to cooperating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing proceedings brought for the accounting period ending in June 2023.”
The Premier League confirmed the league table would be officially changed today.
It said: “Everton FC appealed the sanction imposed against it on nine grounds.
“Two of those nine grounds were upheld by the Appeal Board, which has substituted the original points deduction of 10 for six.
“This revised sanction has immediate effect and the Premier League table will be updated to reflect this.”
Everton are next in action against West Ham at Goodison Park on Saturday.
