Whereas a four-point penalty is at the lower end of the expectations of some commentators, it is nevertheless a significant sanction that could have very serious implications for club’s prospects this season and beyond. It is therefore a matter of great concern for our members and the wider fanbase.
PSR adherence has consistently been of interest to the members of NFST and we have regularly raised this in meetings with the club. It is a matter of public record that the club has repeatedly given assurance that operations are being conducted within the guidelines.
Having read the report in full, we note that the club has argued significant mitigating circumstances. Not least of these the fact that whereas the delayed sale of Brennan Johnson caused Forest to be in breach of the £61m threshold for losses for a period of two months, importantly it also meant that a very substantial additional profit was achieved.
Following recent elections, the board of NFST now has significantly enhanced expertise in the specialist area of football finance, with one new board member having specialised in advising professional football clubs in a professional capacity. We will further analyse the report over coming days and will now seek to meet with the club through the appropriate channels to discuss further.
As a result of detailed analysis conducted by the board prior to this ruling, we wish to record that it is the opinion of NFST that the current PSR rules have several significant flaws and are not fit for purpose. We also have concerns over the proposals for new rules which are due to be introduced in time for the 2024/25 season. We note that several expert commentators have expressed similar views in the widespread coverage in the media.
We will seek to represent the views of our members on these matters to the Football Supporters Association to inform their discussions with the Premier League. Please feel free to share your views by emailing us at comms@nffctrust.org
We will comment in more detail in due course.