Nottingham Forest
Defenses of Everton and Forest breach FFP rules at a points deduction
Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest are both anticipated to provide mitigating factors as they aim to avoid points deductions for financial breaches.
Both teams are expected to be informed they have breached the competition’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR), with potential penalties including points deductions. Everton have already been docked a Premier League record 10 points on a separate matter, which they are appealing.
Everton’s existing points deduction relates to the 2021-22 season, when they finished 16th. Both teams are towards the foot of the Premier League this term, though Everton would be in mid-table without the deduction.
Premier League teams are permitted to lose £35m per season over a three-year period. However, both sides have other factors at play, with new stadium plans contributing to Everton’s figures while Forest’s big spending last term came after a number of seasons outside the top-flight.
According to The Athletic, Forest may use the sale of Brennan Johnson as evidence they have attempted to balance the books after splashing the cash following promotion. They spent more than £100m on new signings in their first season after promotion, splashing the cash again in the summer of 2023, but Johnson’s move to Spurs brought in a reported £47.5m.
Both teams’ maximum losses are measured over a three-year cycle, with Forest’s permitted losses sitting at a lower £61m as two of those three years were spent in the Championship. It remains to be seen whether the expected use of the Johnson sale as mitigation will help the club escape the most severe potential punishment.
Everton are expected to point to work around their new stadium when making their own case. Both clubs were required to submit accounts for the 2022-23 season by December 31, with any potential punishments coming after independent commission hearings.
The latest developments come with sitting 15th in the table – having replaced manager Steve Cooper with Nuno Espirito Santo in December – and Everton three points behind in 17th. While Forest had a weekend off, Everton played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa and manager Sean Dyche was asked about potential points penalties after the match.
“We are just waiting on the news,” Dyche said. “The last time the news came out of the blue as you know, it might do again, we have to wait and see. You don’t know until you know. I’ll explain further if and when the news comes through.”
Both teams are back in action in midweek in FA Cup third round replays. Everton face Crystal Palace, with Forest up against Blackpool, after both matches ended all square the first time around.
