Nottingham Forest’s appeal against a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) will be heard on Wednesday, April 24.
The penalty has left Forest in 17th place in the Premier League, one point above the relegation places with five matches left to play.
The club admitted to a breach last month after overspending by £34.5million over the three-year reporting period ending in the 2022-23 season. Though the independent commission could have handed down a six-point penalty, it decided upon four and pointed to Forest’s “excellent co-operation” in the process.
Following the judgement, Forest appealed on the basis they felt the decision was excessive.
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The club said they were “extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions” and “also surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the club and its mitigation”.
Forest believe they were at a disadvantage to other Premier League clubs, who had a significantly higher spending limit, and that the rules are unfairly stacked against teams who have been outside of the top flight for a significant period of time. Premier League clubs are permitted to lose £35million ($43.6m) per season, equating to a £105m loss limit over three years, whereas Championship sides are only allowed to lose £13m per season — meaning Forest’s loss limit for the period was £61m.
Everton, who are one point above Forest with six matches to play, were handed a 10-point penalty for a PSR breach earlier this season, but this was reduced to six after a successful appeal. They were then docked a further two points for a separate breach and have also appealed that decision.
Everton face Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Premier League season ends on May 19 but it is unclear when a final decision will be made on Forest’s situation.
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(Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
