Lawyer makes worrying Nottingham Forest FFP points deduction appeal prediction

Matthew Stanbury, a lawyer with experience in football-related legal matters, particularly in Everton’s successful appeal against a ten-point deduction, has shared his insights on Nottingham Forest’s recent decision to appeal their four-point deduction by the Premier League. Despite Forest’s efforts, Stanbury is skeptical about the club’s chances of seeing the penalty overturned.

Nottingham Forest has been penalized by the Premier League, receiving a four-point deduction, initially reduced from six points due to the club’s “exceptional co-operation” during the investigation process. This decision has placed Forest in a precarious position in the league standings, pushing them into the relegation zone with only nine matches remaining in the season. The club has publicly expressed its disappointment with the outcome and has opted to challenge the decision, hoping for a further reduction or complete overturn of the penalty.

Stanbury, however, believes that Nottingham Forest’s appeal is unlikely to be successful. He pointed out the precedent set by the Appeal Board in Everton’s case, suggesting that it would be ambitious to expect a different outcome for Forest. “Not a chance that the Appeal Board, having given EFC 6 points, is overturning the decision,” Stanbury remarked on social media platform X.

The core of Nottingham Forest’s penalty stems from violations of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules. The club exceeded the permitted loss cap by £34.5 million, with their allowable deficit standing at £61 million instead of £105 million. This discrepancy is attributed to the fact that two of the three years under review were governed by Championship regulations, which have different financial rules compared to the Premier League.

The appeals process, which Forest has initiated, is expected to extend beyond the current season’s conclusion. This means that the final league standings may not accurately reflect the ultimate fate of the teams involved, including who faces relegation, until the appeal’s resolution. The deadline for concluding the appeals process for both Nottingham Forest and any potential further charges against Everton is set for May 24, just five days after the season ends.

There’s also a possibility that the appeals board could find the Premier League’s four-point sanction against Forest too lenient, potentially leading to an increase in the deduction. This scenario underscores the risks involved in the appeals process and the uncertain outcomes that clubs face when challenging league penalties.

As Nottingham Forest navigates this challenging period, fans and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, understanding the significant impact the final decision could have on the club’s future in the Premier League.