Former Everton manager Keith Wyness believes Nottingham Forest’s appeal against a four-point deduction for violating spending regulations would be unsuccessful.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, suggested the Midlands club’s arguments would not be strong enough to overturn the original verdict.
According to The Independent (15 April), Forest’s appeal against their four-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will be heard during the week beginning 22 April.
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (18 April) that the appeal would most likely focus on Brennan Johnson’s transfer to Tottenham, which occurred too late to be included in the 2022-23 accounts.
Forest surpassed PSR by £34.5 million, exceeding the £61 million limit.
Nottingham Forest’s arguments are ‘not strong enough’ as the appeal approaches, argues Wyness.
The Midlands team is 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone after the four-point punishment, with five games remaining this season.
Wyness told Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast: “I believe the three-point deduction will remain unchanged.
“The points will stay. I believe this appeal will result in a stalemate.
“I don’t think their arguments are strong enough to get a point or anything else back.
“However, this appeals process will result in another 50-page document containing another ruling by a different independent panel.”
“This will result in potential loopholes, legal precedent, and the commission contradicting earlier panels.
“But for Forest, I think their punishment will stay as it is based on everything I’ve seen.”
