Nottingham Forest have lodged an appeal against the four-point deduction they were given for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the club have confirmed.
Last week, Forest were handed a four-point penalty after being found to have breached the competition’s financial rules during the assessment period culminating in the end of the 2022-23 season.
Having spent most of the relevant period in the Championship, Forest were only permitted to lose £61million but exceeded that limit by £34.5m.
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That represented a 57% overspend compared to their threshold, compared to Everton’s 19% overspend for the period ending in 2021-22, which resulted in a six-point deduction.
The Toffees were initially hit with a 10-point penalty which was reduced on appeal, and Forest are also hoping to get points back after being plunged into the relegation zone.
In a statement issued on Monday, Forest said: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four-point sanction imposed by the commission in relation to the club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).
“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
Club statement.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 25, 2024
Following their four-point deduction, Forest sit 18th in the Premier League table, one point adrift of 17th-placed Luton Town with nine games remaining.
According to reports, the appeal board could also increase the size of Forest’s punishment if their appeal is thought to be frivolous.
The Premier League has reportedly set a ‘backstop’ date of May 24 for any appeals to be finalised, which comes five days after the end of the campaign. Chief executive Richard Masters, though, is under pressure to ensure any proceedings are concluded before the final day of the season.
In a furious statement issued last week, Forest said they “dismayed” by the Premier League’s submissions to the independent commission which heard their case, arguing they were placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to the other 19 clubs in the league.
Fellow relegation candidates Everton saw a three-day hearing pertaining to their second breach of the rules – for the period ending in 2022-23 – begin on Monday, with an outcome expected in early April.
Championship promotion contenders Leicester City have also been charged with breaching the rules during the same period, with the Foxes placed under a registration embargo by the English Football League.
Leicester have outlined their intention to open legal proceedings against the Premier League as they face the prospect of starting next season with a large points deduction – regardless of their division.
