Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist have questioned why the Premier League are prepared to wait until after the season to issue another potential points deduction to Everton.
It was reported on Sunday night that Everton and Nottingham Forest are expected to be informed that they have allegedly breached the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR). It's claimed both teams will be referred to an independent commission and notified of any charges on Monday.
Premier League clubs are permitted to lose a maximum of £105million over a three-year period (£35m a season). Everton have already been docked 10 points this season over a separate breach relating to the 2021/22 campaign, while Forest have not previously fallen foul of the regulations.
Speaking on Monday morning, Stelling delivered his verdict on Everton's latest potential sanction and admitted the strangest outcome would be to put the deduction in place after the season. The Toffees currently sit one point above the relegation zone.
"I'm not really sure what more they have to do," Stelling told talkSPORT. "They've sold some of their big names and haven't really brought anybody in, so what more do they have to do?
Premier League odds and betting tips"You know the daftest thing about all of this? If there is a charge against any of the clubs and then there is an appeal, the final decision on any sanctions won't be made until 24 May, five days after the end of the Premier League season.
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"So we could finish the Premier League season not knowing their fate, and potentially which division they're in. I assume a points deduction would be imposed this season... If they're found in breach they'll have breached the rules this season, so any penalty will apply this season."
McCoist shared a similar view to Stelling as Everton and Forest wait to find out their punishment. The Scotland legend said: "Well, that’s absolute madness. You could then have a season where Everton or Forest could finish two or three points outside of the relegation zone and still get relegated."
Sean Dyche was quizzed on the prospect of further punishment following Everton's goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. He said: "We are just waiting on the news. The last time the news came out of the blue as you know, it might do again, we have to wait and see. You don’t know until you know. I’ll explain further if and when the news comes through."