Everton's 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules has been reduced to six points.

The club had been handed the deduction in November for alleged breaches relating to the 2021/22 campaign, however that punishment has now been eased following an appeal.

As a result, the Toffees now have 25 points and move up to 15th place in the Premier League table, ahead of Brentford and Nottingham Forest due to their superior points tally and goal difference.

Luton Town, who are sitting 18th, are now four points adrift from safety.

While Everton will be pleased with the outcome of their appeal, they could still face another points deduction before the end of the season.

In a separate charge confirmed in January, Everton were accused of another breach of Premier League financial rules along with Nottingham Forest.

Under Premier League rules, the commission hearing in that case must be completed by April 8 so that any punishments can be imposed this season.

A statement from Everton said: "Everton can confirm an Appeal Board has concluded that the points deduction imposed by an independent Premier League Commission in November be reduced from 10 points to six points, with immediate effect.

"While the club is still digesting the Appeal Board’s decision, we are satisfied our appeal has resulted in a reduction in the points sanction.

"We understand the Appeal Board considered the 10-point deduction originally imposed to be inappropriate when assessed against the available benchmarks of which the club made the Commission aware, including the position under the relevant EFL regulations, and the 9-point deduction that is imposed under the Premier League’s own rules in the event of insolvency. 

"The club is also particularly pleased with the Appeal Board’s decision to overturn the original Commission’s finding that the Club failed to act in utmost good faith. That decision, along with reducing the points deduction, was an incredibly important point of principle for the club on appeal. The club, therefore, feels vindicated in pursuing its appeal. 

"Notwithstanding the Appeal Board’s decision, and the positive outcome, the club remains fully committed to cooperating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing proceedings brought for the accounting period ending in June 2023.

"The club is still considering the wider implications of the decision and will make no further comment at this time other than to place on record its thanks to our Fan Advisory Board and other fan groups throughout this process, and to all Evertonians for their ongoing support and patience."

Profit and sustainability rules allow clubs to lose a maximum of £105million over a three-year period or face sanctions.

Everton were given a 10-point deduction after an independent commission found they had exceeded permitted losses under the league's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) by £19.5million over an assessment period ending with the 2021-22 season.

The appeal board's summary said Everton relied on nine grounds of appeal against the initial 10-point sanction, seven of which related to how the original commission dealt with various mitigating and aggravating factors.

Those seven were dismissed but the appeal board did conclude on the other two grounds that the original commission made legal errors.