Everton manager Sean Dyche Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Everton's appeal against their second points deduction for breaching the Premier League's financial rules will be heard "urgently" and a decision made before the end of the season.
The Toffees had a 10-point deduction reduced to six on appeal in February for the three-year period to 2021-22.
The Premier League said the appeal case, which was lodged on Monday, will be heard on an "expedited basis".
Sean Dyche's side sit 16th in the table, two points above the drop zone, after being beaten 6-0 by Chelsea on Monday.
Profit and sustainability rules (PSR) permit clubs to lose $220m over three years and an independent commission found Everton breached that by $35m for the three-year period to 2022-23.
There were concerns Everton's latest appeal could drag on until after the conclusion of this season's top-flight campaign.
The Premier League said: "For clarity and certainty for all clubs and fans, the Premier League will be seeking to have the appeal resolved urgently with the outcome confirmed in advance of Sunday 19 May, the last day of this season.
"An appeal board has been appointed to hear the case after the club lodged the appeal to the chair of the judicial panel today.
"The case will be heard on an expedited basis, in accordance with the league's standard directions."
The Merseyside club could yet face a further points deduction in relation to interest costs associated with the building of the club's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, though that issue is unlikely to be resolved before the end of the season.
- This story was first published by the BBC