‘Most Important Thing, why we are better than Everton” – N. Forest fan chair claims why Everton FFP breach worse on Sky Sports

Andy Caddell, the chair of Nottingham Forest’s Supporters’ Trust, has made a case on Sky Sports News that the club’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) breach was less severe than Everton’s, despite the larger monetary figure involved. Speaking on March 25, Caddell pointed out that while Forest’s breach amounted to £34.5 million, it occurred over a much shorter timeframe than Everton’s, which was £19.5 million over a longer period.

Caddell’s comments came in light of Nottingham Forest’s decision to appeal their four-point penalty [BBC Sport, 25 March]. Everton, on the other hand, had their original 10-point deduction reduced to six points upon appeal. He emphasized that Forest’s breach spanned only two months, July and August 2023, during which the club played just three Premier League games.

The comparison between the two clubs’ FFP breaches has sparked debate, as the penalties seem to reflect not just the financial figures but also the circumstances and arguments presented during the hearings. Caddell highlighted that Forest’s decision to delay the sale of Brennan Johnson until September 2023, rather than accepting lower offers earlier, was a strategic move aimed at better financial sustainability.

Despite the differences in the breaches, both clubs have faced scrutiny and penalties, with Everton’s breach deemed non-deliberate and Forest’s breach seen as a calculated risk to hold out for a higher transfer fee for Johnson. The disparities in the sanctions have raised questions about the consistency and fairness of the FFP system.

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