Keith Wyness, the former head of Everton, has stated that Nottingham Forest will not lose ten points if they are found to have violated the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) of the Premier League.
The 66-year-old, who ran a football consultancy advising elite clubs after serving as CEO of Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009, stated on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Everton’s appeal against their deduction will set “precedent” and “case law” for the handling of Forest’s alleged offences.
In January, Forest was accused of breaking PSR regulations since the team had reportedly spent more over their permitted losses of £61 million over three years, ending with the 2022–2023 season.
Everton was docked 10 points this season for a similar infraction, and they were prosecuted with the Midlands club.
Before the 2023–24 season ends, Forest will learn the outcome of their trial; if found guilty, a possible point deduction could be imposed.
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With 13 games left in the season, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is four points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place in the table.
Wyness stated on the Insider Track podcast of Football Insider: “It’s possible that any deduction could relegate them.”
The players, the manager, and the supporters are all impacted by the punishment. It sets up a negative feedback loop.
“It is a harsh measure that beyond the purpose for which these regulations were designed.
“I believe that the majority of football fans agree that Everton’s 10-point deduction was very harsh.
“Hopefully Forest feels the same way Everton did and is motivated to battle back against any punishment they receive.
“They’ll need to muster their forces and put up a fierce battle.
“You have to adopt a victim mindset and work to mobilise everyone against it.
However, I don’t believe they will receive a 10-point deduction. Although I’m not sure how serious their offences are, I believe the penalty will be less severe than Everton’s.
The Everton case will establish a standard. In a way, we’re almost establishing case law.
