Sport nationNottingham Forest has expressed their extreme disappointment following the decision by an independent commission to impose a four-point deduction on the club, which has immediate implications for their standing in the Premier League and could potentially affect Everton’s position as well[1][3][12].
Background of the Points Deduction
Nottingham Forest was charged with breaches of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limit the financial losses clubs can incur over a set period. The Premier League’s financial regulations state that clubs are not allowed to make a maximum loss of £105 million across a rolling three-year period, or £35 million each season. For promoted teams like Nottingham Forest, this limit is reduced, meaning they were restricted to losses of £61 million for the last three campaigns[1].
The charges against Nottingham Forest stemmed from their financial conduct over the seasons from 2020/21 to 2022/23. During their promotion from the Championship in 2022, Forest spent heavily on player acquisitions, which has been a significant factor in their breach of the PSR[4].
Nottingham Forest’s Statement and Concerns
In response to the points deduction, Nottingham Forest released a statement outlining their dismay and disappointment. The club criticized the Premier League for the tone and content of its submissions before the commission and expressed concern over the trust and confidence they had in the league. They also highlighted the potential ramifications for other clubs in the future, particularly newly promoted clubs without parachute payments[1].
Forest’s statement emphasized that the Premier League’s pursuit of an eight-point sanction as a starting point was disproportionate, especially when compared to the nine points prescribed for insolvency. The club also pointed out that the unique circumstances and their mitigation were not considered by the Premier League[1].
The club argued that the decision could have a disturbing effect on the player trading model, which is vital for clubs outside the top tier of the Premier League to advance up the football pyramid. They contended that the commission’s rationale would destroy mobility in the football pyramid and lead to the stagnation of the national game[1].
Everton’s Situation
Everton, who are also battling to avoid relegation, have been closely monitoring the situation as they await the outcome of their own hearing on a second alleged breach of the PSR. Everton had previously received a 10-point deduction, which was later reduced to six points upon appeal[1][5].
The Toffees are currently 16th in the Premier League table with 25 points, and any further points deduction could have serious implications for their Premier League status. The outcome of their hearing and any potential appeal could be crucial in determining their fate in the top flight[2][5].
Implications for the Premier League
The points deductions for both Nottingham Forest and Everton have raised questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the Premier League’s financial regulations. Critics, including former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, have suggested that the league could become a “laughing stock” if relegation is decided after the season ends due to ongoing appeals and hearings[5].
The situation has also highlighted the challenges newly promoted clubs face in complying with financial regulations while trying to remain competitive in the Premier League. The decisions made by the independent commissions and the Premier League’s handling of these cases will likely have a lasting impact on the future of financial fair play in English football[1][4][5].
As of now, both Nottingham Forest and Everton are preparing for the remainder of the season, with the points deductions and potential further sanctions hanging over their heads. The final outcomes of their respective cases will be closely watched by fans, clubs, and stakeholders across the football community.
Citations:
[1] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-everton-ffp-penalty-9125280
[2] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-everton-ffp-points-9171347
[3] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/how-nottingham-forest-points-deduction-9174055
[4] https://talksport.com/football/1712995/nottingham-forest-points-deduction-financial-fair-play/
[5] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ridiculous-keith-wyness-fumes-what-28824592
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJvjTG_WY9c
[7] https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/everton-nottingham-forest-points-deduction-financial-breaches-premier-league-ffp/?zephr_sso_ott=wKGNSK
[8] https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/everton-ffp-appeal-prediction-2901634
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SxFRlulZJE
[10] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-points-deduction-ffp-9036033
[11] https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/everton-ffp-points-deduction-latest-28587457
[12] https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/nottingham-forest-points-deduction-despite-28843630
[13] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/15/premier-league-charge-nottingham-forest-everton
[14] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/03/15/everton-new-ffp-hearing-set-to-start-after-nottingham-forest-conclusion-amid-danger-verdict/
[15] https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/01/16/everton-nottingham-forest-premier-league-changes
[16] https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/forest-ffp-liverpool-man-city-27678700
[17] https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13049423/everton-and-nottingham-forest-charged-q-a-time-frame-points-deduction-what-about-man-city
[18] https://www.everton.news/what-nottingham-forest-are-doing-very-differently-to-everton-amid-ffp-worries-right-now/
[19] https://www.footballinsider247.com/nottingham-forest-to-land-points-deduction-new-paperwork-confirms-it/
[20] https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/what-evertons-ffp-premier-league-32166060
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