Nottingham Forest's survival hopes suffer major blow as Awoniyi and co receive Premier League points deduction

Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi | Imago

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Taiwo Awoniyi was an impactful substitute for Nottingham Forest in 2023-24 (Imago)

Nottingham Forest's survival hopes suffer major blow as Awoniyi and co receive Premier League points deduction

Ayoola Kelechi 16:02 - 18.03.2024

The Nottingham Forest team has been thrown into dismay after receiving a Premier League points deduction for breach of sustainability news with relegation looming

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi and his Nottingham Forest teammates, have been left disheartened after the Premier League announced a four-point deduction for breaching the league's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

The decision came following Forest's reported losses that exceeded the allowed amount over the three-year reporting cycle, ending in the 2022-23 season.

Premier League punishment for Nottingham Forest

Forest faced referral to an independent commission in January after they disclosed financial losses surpassing the permitted limit. The breach of PSR guidelines warranted potential penalties such as fines or points deductions. Consequently, Forest's four-point deduction sees them drop to 18th place in the Premier League standings.

See what Awoniyi means about Grace after his strike for Nottingham Forest against West Ham.
See what Awoniyi means about Grace after his strike for Nottingham Forest against West Ham.

Notably, Forest is the second Premier League team to suffer points deduction this season due to a PSR breach. Everton had earlier faced a 10-point deduction in November, later reduced to six points after an appeal. Everton, alongside Forest, faces the prospect of further points deduction following another PSR breach in January.

Why Nottingham Forest received a penalty

The genesis of Forest's predicament traces back to January when they were referred to the commission for alleged PSR breach concerning the three-year reporting period ending in the 2022-23 season. Despite Forest's cooperation and confidence in a fair resolution, the breach has incurred consequences impacting their league position.

Forest has a window of 14 days to decide whether to appeal against the sanction. The Premier League has scheduled May 24 as the deadline for any appeals, which falls after the conclusion of the season but before the league's annual general meeting.

Nottingham Forest deny wrongdoing

Forest, under the ownership of Evangelos Marinakis, embarked on an ambitious transfer spree, signing 42 players following their promotion in May 2022. The club's spending, amounting to approximately £250 million, aimed to solidify their position in the top flight. Forest argued that their transfer dealings, including Brennan Johnson's sale to Tottenham Hotspur, were conducted within the regulatory framework.

The Premier League's decision to impose a points deduction on Nottingham Forest has left players and stakeholders disappointed. As the club weighs its options regarding a potential appeal, the ramifications of the breach underscore the significance of adhering to financial regulations in football's top tier.

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