Nottingham Forest has been dealt a significant blow as they were docked four points by an independent commission for violating Premier League profit and sustainability rules. The commission determined that Forest’s losses for the 2022-23 season exceeded the permissible threshold by £34.5 million, resulting in the immediate deduction of points.
This deduction places Forest below Luton Town in the Premier League’s relegation zone, intensifying the pressure on the club to secure vital points in their remaining fixtures.
In response to the decision, Forest expressed their disappointment, highlighting concerns about the implications for aspiring clubs. They emphasized their cooperation throughout the process and expressed surprise at the unexpected ruling, which has strained their trust in the Premier League.
The commission’s findings revealed that Forest’s breach of the profit and sustainability rules was significant, prompting initial suggestions of an eight-point deduction by the Premier League. However, Forest’s early plea and cooperation led to a reduction in the penalty to four points.
Forest’s case was centered around several points of mitigation, including the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur, which they viewed as a crucial factor in their defense. However, the commission ultimately rejected these arguments, emphasizing that the timing of Johnson’s sale was a business decision rather than a mitigating factor.
Despite Forest’s efforts to present mitigating factors, the commission only credited them for their early plea and cooperation, resulting in the four-point deduction.
As Forest considers their options, including a potential appeal against the ruling, the Premier League’s rules stipulate that any appeals process should conclude before May 24, just days after the end of the season.