The 6 biggest points deductions in football history after Everton's case

Everton's aspirations to maintain their Premier League status have suffered a setback, as they have been penalized with a 10-point deduction for violating Financial Fair Play rules.

Despite an improvement in performances and results in recent weeks, Dyche's side now faces the daunting task of avoiding relegation.

While the announcement was pending, the Premier League has officially confirmed Everton's 10-point deduction. This setback places them in the relegation zone with only four points on the board.

There have been various points-related sanctions in England and beyond, and Sports Brief has compiled a list of the five most significant deductions in football history.

6. 19 points – Arminia Bielefeld (1971/72)

A relatively lesser-known entry on the list, Arminia Bielefield stands as the sole representative from Germany, enduring a 19-point deduction in the 1971/72 season. The Bundesliga was marred by a bribery scandal in 1971, with Arminia Bielefield at the center of it.

The scandal implicated a multitude of players—more than 50 in number—who were penalized for their involvement in the misconduct. The revelation unfolded during the 50th birthday celebration of Kickers Offenbach President Horst-Gregorio Canellas, where an audio tape exposed numerous German players admitting to their regrettable roles in the affair.

5. 21 points – Derby County (2021/22)

Before Everton's setback, Derby County's points deduction in the 2021/22 season was the most recent high-profile case in England. Enduring a substantial 21-point deduction in the autumn of 2021, the Rams faced a daunting challenge to avoid relegation to League One.

The penalty stemmed from two factors: 12 points were deducted for entering administration, while an additional nine points were taken off for violating EFL accounting rules.

4. 30 points – Lazio (2005/06)

The Calciopoli scandal stands out as one of the most notorious incidents since the turn of the millennium, with Lazio playing a significant role.

The situation was intricate, involving several high-profile Italian clubs found guilty of influencing officials to secure favorable decisions before games.

As a consequence of their involvement, Lazio was docked a total of 30 points, plummeting from sixth place to 16th. Fortunately for them, they managed to escape relegation by three points and concluded the season with a commendable goal difference.

3. 30 points – Fiorentina (2005/06)

For their part to play in the Calciopoli scandal - that rocked Italian football to its core – Fiorentina were also handed a whopping points deduction, while they also had European repercussions like Lazio. Their end-of-season points haul was reduced by 30, leaving them in mid-table mediocrity after securing an impressive fourth-place finish.

2. 30 points – AC Milan (2005/06)

While Inter Milan breezed clear of any charges, their city rivals AC Milan were not as lucky as they endured their share of scrutiny. Most notably, their tangible 30-point sanction stopped them from being crowned Serie A champions ahead of the Nerazzurri following Juventus’ relegation to Serie B. Accused of fixing just the solitary fixture during the season before, the Rossoneri were made to regret their decision as their arch-rivals were crowned champions of Italy.

1. 30 points – Luton Town (2008/09)

Premier League newcomers Luton Town may be back at the top of the English football but they were once in disarray. The Hatters began the 2008/09 season at a heavy disadvantage after they had a mouth-watering 30 points taken off them. The 30-point deduction was on the back of two separate offences: 10 for illegal payments to agents and an additional 20 for not leaving administration in the correct fashion.