The Premier League financial breach case involving Nottingham Forest will be heard next week.
An Independent Commission is scheduled to convene on Thursday and Friday, the 7th and 8th of March, where leading sports lawyer Nick de Marco KC will head Nottingham Forest’s defense.
In January, Forest faced charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in their 2022-23 accounts.
The outcome of this case holds significant implications for their Premier League survival. Currently, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team occupies a position just outside the relegation zone with 24 points, holding a four-point lead over Luton, who have a game in hand.
According to Premier League regulations, clubs are permitted to incur a maximum loss of £105 million over a three-season period, or £35 million per campaign, before facing sanctions.
Forest is likely to argue that one contributing factor to their exceeding the limit was their decision not to sell forward Brennan Johnson before the accounting deadline of 30th June, in order to maximize the transfer fee. Johnson was eventually sold to Tottenham for a fee exceeding £45 million on 1st September.
A verdict is not anticipated until April, with the possibility of appeal thereafter.
On Monday, Everton’s penalty for violating the Premier League’s financial regulations was reduced from 10 points to six following the club’s appeal against the immediate deduction imposed in November of the previous year.
However, Everton is still awaiting a decision regarding potential penalties for additional alleged breaches in their 2022-23 accounts, for which they were charged in January alongside Forest.
The Premier League stated that both clubs “have each confirmed that they are in breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules”.
While a date for Everton’s hearing has not yet been determined, it must take place before 8th April. Nonetheless, any potential appeal could prolong the process until 24th May, the week following the conclusion of the season.