The fallout from Everton being docked 10 points after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules continues.
As a result of the punishment, the Blues dropped immediately from 14th in the Premier League table to second-bottom, with only goal difference separating them from Burnley in 20th. An independent commission made the decision after a disciplinary hearing, which took place last month.
In the immediate aftermath of the decision being confirmed, Everton said they were 'shocked and disappointed' by the punishment and would appeal. The appeal will be concluded before the end of the season.
READ MORE: Man City's full list of FFP charges and what punishment they could face as Liverpool await verdict
The punishment has sent shockwaves throughout the English top-flight, particularly to some Liverpool supporters who are awaiting the outcome of Manchester City's FFP investigation, as it was revealed back in February that they had been charged by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules following a four-year investigation.
"In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4," the Premier League statement reads.
The statement goes on to list said breaches with five separate points made on the rulings, before adding: "Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
"The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website. This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice."
The Reds have been in a recent rivalry with the Etihad club, with the two sides battling it out for the title on five occasions during the last 10 years. And that has led to questions about whether City will be stripped of the four titles they have won in that time.
However, that appears unlikely, with the Independent's Miguel Delaney previously saying: "Figures involved don't seem to think any prospective punishments would be retrospective or 'looking backwards' (ie stripping titles) but this is all described as 'unprecedented'."
But earlier this week, Martyn Ziegler, a journalist for The Times, said that 'the threat of a 30-point deduction or automatic relegation from the Premier League would look to be very real' for both City and Chelsea, who are under investigation by the Premier League and the Football Association for potential breaches of football rules, including financial fair play (FFP).
