Nottingham Forest were initially deducted four points in March 2023 by an independent commission appointed by the Premier League for breaching the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club had admitted overspending by £34.5 million over a three-year period.
Nottingham Forest appealed the points deduction, arguing that the commission had erred in its interpretation of the rules. The club claimed that it had not intentionally sought to gain an unfair advantage and that its spending was within the permitted limits.
The Premier League Board has dismissed Nottingham Forest’s appeal, upholding the original four-point deduction. The Board concluded that the commission had correctly applied the PSR rules and that Nottingham Forest had indeed breached the regulations.
The four-point deduction has significantly impacted Nottingham Forest’s position in the Premier League. The club is now 19th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone. The points deduction has made it more difficult for Forest to avoid relegation and secure their Premier League status.
In addition to the points deduction, Nottingham Forest may also face financial penalties for breaching the PSR rules. The Premier League has not yet announced the amount of any potential fines, but the club could be fined millions of pounds.
Nottingham Forest’s unsuccessful appeal against their points deduction is a significant setback for the club. The four-point penalty has put Forest in a precarious position in the Premier League and could have severe financial consequences. The club will need to improve its results on the pitch and manage its finances carefully to avoid relegation and further sanctions.
