Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points in the Premier League. The decision could play a decisive role in the fight for relegation
Several media outlets had already reported on Monday afternoon that Nottingham would be deducted four points in the current Premier League season for breaches of the league’s financial regulations. The Premier League has since confirmed the decision of an independent commission. This followed a two-day hearing of club officials, who were found by the commission to have shown “exceptional cooperation” with the league.
As a result of the points deduction, Forest slipped from 17th place in the table to 18th and thus to the first relegation spot. The beneficiary is Luton Town, who jumped above the line through no fault of their own and are now one point ahead of Nottingham instead of three points behind them. The points deduction could potentially tip the scales in the race for relegation
The reason for the sanction is a breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules. Premier League clubs are allowed to make a maximum loss of 105 million pounds (just under 123 million euros) over a three-year period. As Nottingham was only promoted to the English top flight in 2022, the club was subject to a maximum loss of 61 million pounds as of the last deadline of June 30, 2023. According to the Premier League, the club exceeded this maximum loss by 34.5 million pounds. Since its promotion, Nottingham has signed a total of 42 players for around 250 million pounds.
Nottingham apparently seeking appeal
The club has admitted to the breach but, according to media reports, still intends to appeal. Nottingham are citing extenuating circumstances, citing the transfer of Brennan Johnson last summer. Nottingham had received an offer of around 30 million pounds from Brentford FC for the winger before the deadline of June 30, but waited until after the deadline to sell him to Tottenham Hotspur for 47.5 million pounds. However, this profit was no longer included in the valuation period. Nottingham now argue that this approach was more sustainable for the club.
The club also argues that it was essential to invest in the squad after promotion in order to compete with the established teams in the Premier League.
Nottingham now have 14 days to appeal. League rivals Everton FC have already achieved a partial success this season through such an appeal. The Toffees were originally deducted ten points for breaches of the same regulations, but following an appeal, the Premier League reduced the points deduction to six points.
