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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Forest punished for PSR breach</li><li>Independent commission makes decision on appeal</li><li>Could have huge impact on relegation battle</li></ul>

Nottingham Forest learn final verdict in appeal against four-point deduction as they face nerve-jangling end to Premier League relegation battle

An independent commission appointed by the Premier League handed Forest a four-point deduction as punishment for the club's breach of profit and sustainability rules, as they admitted to overspending by £34.5million over a three-year period.As per <a href="https://theathletic.com/5448857/2024/05/07/nottingham-forest-appeal-points-deduction/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>, Forest launched an appeal against the decision, and argued at a hearing held on April 24 that they were facing a disadvantage compared to other Premier League clubs who have been in the top-flight far longer and therefore enjoy higher spending limits, but the commission has upheld their original verdict and the docked points remain on the club's record.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Premier League released an <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/3999776" target="_blank">official statement</a> confirming the news on Tuesday, which reads: "An independent Appeal Board has upheld the decision of a Commission to deduct four points from Nottingham Forest following an admitted breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The PSR sanction applied to the assessment period ending Season 2022/23 and was appealed by the club on two grounds. The club argued that the independent Commission committed an error in not treating its sale of a high-profile player shortly after the assessment period as a mitigating factor, and that it committed a further error in electing not to suspend some or all of the points deduction it imposed. Each of these grounds was rejected by the Appeal Board, which found the independent Commission was entitled to immediately impose the sanction it did. The four-point deduction will therefore remain in place."

WHAT THE PREMIER LEAGUE SAID

Forest were originally in line for a six-point penalty under current PSR rules, but “excellent co-operation” and an "early plea" led to them escaping with a more lenient punishment. However, the verdict still prompted a furious response from Forest, who were "surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the club and its mitigation" as they were left “extremely dismayed by the tone and content" of the commission's documents on the case.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The independent commission's decision leaves Forest facing a nerve jangling end to the Premier League season, as they remain 17th in the table on 29 points, just three clear of 18th-placed Luton, with Burnley a further two points back. Forest picked up a crucial 3-1 win at Sheffield United in their last outing to boost their survival hopes, but they have also been charged with misconduct by the Premier League for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/var-luton-fan-nottingham-forest-extraordinary-statement-three-penalty-shouts-denied-premier-league-defeat-everton/bltbc5231c8bb298dcd" target="_blank">releasing a statement questioning the integrity of the top-flight's VAR team</a> after a controversial 2-0 defeat to Everton on April 21.

DID YOU KNOW?

Forest are now looking ahead to a huge home game against Chelsea on Saturday, where they can ill-afford a defeat as rivals Luton prepare to take on an out-of-form West Ham side on the same day. Nuno Espirito Santo's team, which includes on-loan USMNT star Gio Reyna, will conclude their campaign away at Burnley on May 19, by which point both clubs could still be fighting for their lives.

WHAT'S NEXT? 

Nottingham Forest learn final verdict in appeal against four-point deduction as they face nerve-jangling end to Premier League relegation battle | Goal.com

Nottingham Forest have learned the final verdict in their appeal against a four-point deduction, as their Premier League fate remains in the balance.