Sport nationKeith Wyness, a former Everton manager and premier league CEO, has suggested that Nottingham Forest’s points deduction should be reduced by “one or two” points. This statement was made during his appearance on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. Wyness, who has a background as CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and currently operates a football consultancy, commented on the Premier League’s handling of rule violations, suggesting that the lack of a clear precedent has opened the door for Nottingham Forest’s appeal.
Nottingham Forest was penalized last month with a four-point deduction for exceeding the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules’ permissible financial loss threshold by £34.5 million. Despite the club’s efforts to present mitigating factors, an independent commission dismissed these considerations. However, Nottingham Forest has appealed the decision, aiming to reduce the penalty. The final verdict on the appeal is expected to be issued no later than May 24th, five days after the season ends.
Currently, Nottingham Forest is in 17th place in the Premier League table, holding a narrow three-point lead over Luton Town, which is in the relegation zone. Wyness expressed his surprise at Nottingham Forest’s decision to appeal but wished them luck. He highlighted the potential for the club to regain one or two points, although he noted that the specific points of contention in their appeal have not been made public.
Wyness criticized the Premier League for creating a problematic situation by failing to establish clear precedents for handling such cases. He mentioned the Brennan Johnson transaction as part of Nottingham Forest’s appeal, arguing that the club contends there was no sporting advantage gained, which could be a point in their favor. Wyness described the situation as a disaster created by the Premier League, where fair and reasonable arguments are being overturned by what he perceives as dogmatic decisions.
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