Following a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs), Nottingham Forest FC has been sanctioned with an immediate deduction of four points by an independent Commission. The breach, which occurred for the period ending Season 2022/23, was identified after the club admitted exceeding the relevant PSR threshold by £34.5 million. This threshold, set at £61 million, was adjusted due to the club’s two seasons spent in the EFL Championship during the assessment period.
The club’s case was referred to the independent Commission on January 15, under new Premier League Rules designed to expedite the resolution of PSR cases within the same season the complaint is issued. After a two-day hearing this month, the Commission imposed the sanction despite Nottingham Forest’s demonstration of “exceptional cooperation” throughout the process.
The Commission operates independently of the Premier League and its member clubs, with members appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel. More details on the Commission’s decision can be found in their full written report.
The Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules are assessed annually for all clubs, evaluating compliance based on a club’s Adjusted Earnings Before Tax over a specified assessment period. Breaches occur when a club’s Adjusted Earnings Before Tax result in a loss exceeding £105 million, with adjustments made for Championship participation.
Nottingham Forest’s case is a reflection of the Premier League’s commitment to enforcing its regulations, with sanctions ranging from fines to points deductions available to the independent Commission. The final decision of the Commission will be made public, with provisions for appeals outlined in Premier League Rules.
