Having only recently ended their worst winless run in Premier League history, it is mind-boggling to think that this has been the least of their problems in seeking to avoid the drop for a third year running.
After all, this has been a campaign instead dominated by PSR and the subsequent punishments these questionable statutes have provoked.
Such is their controversy, the Toffees are still seemingly not free from further sanctions, despite having already been hit twice this term.
Could Everton be deducted more points?
Speaking to NBC Sports, David Ornstein, who has been a pivotal figure in relaying information disseminated by the Premier League to the masses this season, sought to offer a fresh update on Everton’s PSR position.
Having already been dealt two deductions this season, The Athletic journalist has been one of the first to confirm such sanctions on both occasions.
This has drawn equal parts frustration and appreciation from Evertonians, with many using it as a reason to release anger at the Premier League for feeding their information through a journalist rather than offering it up themselves.
Regardless, his input is always valued, and he has now explained why a third points deduction might be just around the corner.
He said: ‘Now the Premier League actually asked for them to receive a five-point deduction for this second charge. But a few points were taken off for mitigating factors such as double jeopardy, being punished twice for the same thing, the loss of sponsorship revenue from USM, the company that was sanctioned, Alisher Usmanov after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and also for their quick admission on this that they were guilty
But it’s not completely done yet. There’s still a dispute over £6.5m to do with interest payments on their new stadium. That’s going to be dealt with at a later stage. So there could be another point deduction to follow maybe next season. Let’s see on that.’
Everton could see next season ruined too now
Were it not for their two points deductions this season, Everton would be eight points better off and comfortably clear of the bottom three.
Sean Dyche has worked wonders in steering his side towards a position of veritable safety, yet continues to be pegged back due to the club’s failures of the past.
He and many of the players are being hamstrung for a period where they played a truly minor role in, and it feels unfair to continue adding to these setbacks.
And yet, as Ornstein notes, next season could now be ruined by further sanctions relating to the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which would see the nightmare only furthered into the new campaign.
The hope was that, should they get through this term unscathed and still in possession of their top-flight status, that things would finally start to ease.
However, that is already proving far from the case despite the fact that we are months away from a fresh Premier League term. The worry is wondering how long Everton might have to go before they can just enjoy a simple season free from off-pitch issues.
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