Nottingham Forest points deduction: Is Man City next?

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a severe blow in their bid for Premier League survival after receiving a four-point deduction for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability regulations. This financial penalty sees Nuno Espirito Santo‘s team drop into the relegation zone.

Financial Breach: The Details

The East Midlands club is now the second Premier League team to face a points deduction for exceeding permitted loss limits over a three-year period. Everton previously faced a similar punishment, initially seeing 10 points removed before a successful appeal reduced that to six points.

Everton’s limit was set at £105m across the assessment period. However, as a promoted side, Forest’s loss limit was more restrictive – just £13m per season while competing in the Championship. This amounted to a total of £61m in allowable losses.

Nottingham Forest’s Defence and Fallout

Forest’s hefty spending spree following their 2022 promotion saw the club recruit 30 new players. They also resisted selling star player Brennan Johnson until late in the transfer window, meaning his £47.5m fee to Tottenham did not fall within that financial year.

The club argued that accepting an earlier, lower bid for Johnson from Brentford would have kept them within the profit and sustainability limits. However, they held firm for their higher valuation of the player.

Relegation Fight Intensifies

News of the points deduction worsens a difficult run of form for Forest, having won just one of their last nine matches. They now face a desperate climb out of the relegation zone and into safety.

Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, could potentially appeal the league’s decision. There is, however, concern among other Premier League clubs that a lengthy appeals process might not conclude until after the season ends. Such a delay could lead to complex scenarios around which teams ultimately face relegation.

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