The paper reported via their website on 15 March that it is “likely” another points sanction is on the cards this season for a repeat breach of spending rules.

The Toffees were previously stripped of 10 for a previous breach, which was subsequently reduced to six after an appeal fronted by Laurence Raboniwitz.

That had lifted Sean Dyche’s men away from the drop zone, but amid rough form on the pitch they are now slated to be dropped further towards it again with the hearing due to start next week.

Can Sean Dyche overcome second Everton sanction to avoid relegation?

Logically, despite having their original punishment rowed back due to errors in the decision, the original hearing panel set the precedent for a breach of the spending rules with the first points deduction.

Some might hold out a faint hope that the new panel views Everton as having been damaged sufficiently the first time around that a second sanction in the same season, not least for a period that overlaps by two thirds the one that has already been dealt with, is unnecessary.

But few will expect much in the way of clemency in light of how things have gone in general at Goodison Park in recent seasons.