Latest Nottingham Forest news from Nottinghamshire.Live challenges the seeming injustice of the Premier League’s assault on profitability and sustainability as the Reds await verdict and the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea prepare to sell.
Except for a few clubs, it appears that the majority of the Premier League is afraid of the rigorous new profitability and sustainability requirements.
Everton has already had points removed and faces more punishment for exceeding the league’s spending limitations, while Nottingham Forest is awaiting a decision after an independent committee reviewed their case last week.
Meanwhile, clubs such as Aston Villa and Wolves are considering what assets they can sell this summer to avoid violating financial fair play regulations. Newcastle United and Chelsea might be in the same boat.
Even clubs outside the Premier League appear to be vulnerable; Championship leaders Leicester City are reportedly facing sanctions if they win promotion back to the top level, which appears to be highly likely.
Despite facing 115 allegations in relation with financial fair play violations, treble champions Manchester City are still waiting to hear their fate. These allegations were brought following a five-year inquiry of the City’s accounts. A settlement, one way or another, is likely by late 2024. If the ruling is against City, we can expect appeals and even a referral to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They’ve been down this path before, and it worked out well.
One of the most common complaints in football circles about referees and the usage of VAR is a lack of consistency. It may be claimed that City got away with one on Sunday when Michael Oliver refused to award Liverpool an injury-time penalty for a challenge on Alexis MacAllister, potentially deciding the title.
City also appears to be getting away with it on the PSR front, at least when it comes to your Evertons and Forests. Their accounts have been presented, analyzed, accusations brought, and, at least in the case of Everton, punishment imposed, an appeal filed, and a new judgment issued. City, on the other hand, were charged in February 2023 and are unlikely to face any punishment until after Everton and Forest’s problems have been resolved. By the time City is cleared or found guilty, both Everton and Forest may be EFL clubs. Villa and Wolves, for example, may have sold crucial players to avoid PSR penalties.
The conspiracy theorists would have you believe that PSR or FFP is all about protecting the status quo, ensuring that football’s aristocracy remains at the top while ambitious upstarts are held in check. Everton and Forest have no anxiety about this. What they want to see is fairness, so that regardless of who you are or how many lawyers you have, the procedure is equal for everyone.
Yes, City faces many more charges than its rivals, but that should not be used as an excuse to delay their case. As with referees, VAR, and PSR, a level playing field is required. Failure to provide it only fuels the absurd notion that the Premier League is corrupt.
