What will the Premier League table look like if Man City and Chelsea are also deducted points? This is the question many football fans will be asking should both teams come under similar sanctions to Everton.
The Toffees have been given a 10-point deduction for breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which they have appealed. If successful, the deduction could be reduced to six points, but if unsuccessful, it could even increase up to 12.
Why are Man City and Chelsea under FFP scrutiny?
Manchester City are under investigation for an alleged 115 breaches of the Premier League's (PL) FFP rules, dating back to the earlier years following their takeover in 2008.
Chelsea are also under scrutiny for alleged payments made under former Russian owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the British Government for connections to the ongoing war against Ukraine.
How many points have other teams been deducted in the past?
There are a number of other English teams that have been deducted points in the past, for financial reasons among others. League One sides Wigan Athletic and Reading have been deducted eight and four points respectively this season.
One of the biggest points deductions an English team has faced is Luton Town in 2008/09, where they were deducted 30 points and ultimately crashed out of the English Football League (EFL) as a result.
What would the Premier League table look like if Man City and Chelsea were also deducted points?
Six-point deduction
If Man City and Chelsea were deducted just six points, like Everton could if they win their appeal, then the top six of the PL table would currently look like this:
- Arsenal – 33
- Liverpool – 31
- Aston Villa – 29
- Tottenham – 27
- Newcastle – 26
- MAN CITY – 24
Man City would drop from third to sixth place and outside of the UEFA Champions League spots, while Chelsea would plummet from 10th to 14th and only be six points outside of the relegation zone.
12-point deduction
If Man City and Chelsea were deducted 12 points, which is the maximum sanction Everton could receive, then the PL table would currently look like this:
- Arsenal – 33
- Liverpool – 31
- Aston Villa – 29
- Tottenham – 27
- Newcastle – 26
- Man United – 24
- Brighton – 22
- West Ham – 21
- Brentford – 19
- MAN CITY – 18*
Man City would crash out of the European places altogether, but would still be in the top half of the table.
However, Chelsea would only be outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, and if Everton won their appeal and had their points deduction reduced at all, then the blues of London would drop into it.
30-point deduction
If Man City and Chelsea were deducted 30 points like Luton, and received the ultimate foreseeable punishment, then the PL's bottom five would currently look like this:
16. Everton – 7*
17. Burnley – 7
18. Sheffield United – 5
19. MAN CITY – 0*
20. CHELSEA – -11*
Man City would be wiped of all the points they have gained this season, and be in the relegation zone alongside Chelsea, who would have minus points, and be 18 points away from safety!
It should be noted that should both teams be found guilty of all charges, then the punishment could be even more severe, and as per much media speculation in light of Everton's official deduction on 17 November, a bigger points deduction could result in effective relegation.
What would be almost certain is that the glut of players Chelsea have purchased would be sitting ducks for those at the top end.
