Nottingham Forest were recently docked four points for violating financial fair play rules. Garth Crooks, a BBC Sport analyst, has been debating the issue between Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City.
Forest’s case was heard last month by an impartial commission. Despite the Premier League’s request for an eight-point deduction, Forest were penalised only four points for their conduct.
The punishment originally sent the squad to the relegation zone. However, a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday, along with a defeat for Luton, sent the club back beyond the dotted line.
Naturally, this is a hotly debated topic in football circles. Crooks has now shared his thoughts on the situation, with Everton expected to drop more points in the coming weeks.
Garth Crooks reacts as Nottingham Forest loses four points.
Well, things are getting a little messy. After Forest was deducted four points, it was stated that Everton, who had lost six points earlier this season, would shortly find out the outcome of their second charge.
No other Premier League season has seen so many teams lose points. However, with the regulations now slanted in favour of big clubs, more may follow in future seasons.
Crooks has reacted to the issue. Something doesn’t set right with him about the circumstances, and he mentions Manchester City, who still face 115 charges.
He told BBC Sport, “What a mess. Nottingham Forest’s recent four-point deduction for violating Premier League profit and sustainability regulations poses a major danger to their survival in the top division.
“They now join Everton, who were awarded 10 points earlier this season for identical offenses before being given four points back on appeal, in a hazardous position at the bottom.
“Meanwhile, it’s been more than a year since Manchester City was charged with over 100 alleged financial rule violations, which they deny, but it’s business as usual for them. I believe football fans deserve to know why.
“What’s more interesting is that if Nottingham Forest or Everton fail, why should their players suffer financial losses or lose their status? They have not done anything wrong. I would confer with my lawyers and consider leaving the club with my registration in hand.
“In its attempt to assure fair play, the Premier League appears to have done the reverse. They have created a legal battlefield and exposed specific clubs, opening a hornet’s nest. Furthermore, the athletes and their fans are the ones being stung.”
Premier League should take action and reset.
This scenario cannot continue. On the one hand, Forest should not have broken the regulations, and the club was appropriately penalized, yet the rules are simply unfit for purpose.
Everton and Forest are fined and their cases heard in record time, whilst Manchester City appears to get away with continuing to have their hearings put back.
Nonetheless, Forest has been caught up in some foolish expenditures. Far too many players have joined with little or no impact, and boosting recruitment is a necessary this summer.
Crooks is correct that the entire affair, which has resulted in Forest’s punishment, is a disaster. The Premier League will be relieved to see this season come to an end, and they will need to revisit their rules.
