Fresh challenge revealed as statement made on Nottingham Forest points deduction appeal defeat
The Premier League have been accused of not listening to the views of fans after a submission made at Nottingham Forest’s appeal hearing was not engaged with.
An independent commission rejected the Reds’ appeal against their four-point deduction for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules. And in addition to dismissing the club’s argument, they seemingly did not take on board points made in a report by the Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Trust (NFST).
Trust board member and football finance expert Robert Matusiewicz had helped to compile the report after the points deduction ruling in March. The Trust said part of its purpose was to “highlight a number of incorrect assumptions or interpretations” made by the original independent commission.
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The appeal board referenced the report in their written reasons for upholding Forest’s punishment. They said: “In addition to the submissions of the parties, a document from the Nottingham Forest Supporters Trust dated 16th April 2024 entitled "NFST report on the Independent Commission decision on Nottingham Forest Football Club on Profit and Sustainability Rules" was submitted to the board.
“The NFST (like other supporters’ clubs) does not have standing in an appeal of this nature although we recognise the strength of feeling that fans of a sanctioned club (or of other clubs in the Premier League) have about sanctions for PSR breaches. Neither the club nor the PL (Premier League) referred to the substance of this document at the hearing and although we have read it, we do not think it adds to the submissions made by the club itself.”
Following the appeal verdict, the Trust released a statement expressing their “disappointment” at the decision and belief that the Reds’ sanction was “disproportionate”. They also call on the Premier League to listen to the views of supporters, as club owners are committed to doing as part of the Premier League Owners’ Charter.
The statement says: “NFST is disappointed at the decision of the appeal board to uphold the original decision of the independent commission (IC) to impose a sanction of a four-point deduction for the admitted breach of a breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). After the publication of the original IC ruling, NFST decided to produce a report for the benefit of our members, and other interested fans, on the decision itself and our views on whether PSR is achieving the stated purpose.
“Following review of the original draft it was decided that there could be merit in providing the report to the appeal board. Consequently, it was submitted to the club and the Premier League as parties to the appeal and was provided to the members of the board for consideration.
“We note that the appeal board did read the report but state that supporters do not have standing in an appeal of this nature. We do not challenge the strict legal correctness of this but given point 1 in the Premier League Owner’s Charter contains the words: “We understand the vital nature of our fans and we commit to listening to their views”, we think that the Premier League should adopt the same principle required by the owners of their clubs.
“Led by NFST board member and football finance expert Robert Matusiewicz, this report took us many hours to produce. Regrettably, it didn’t help to deliver the result all those with the interests of Forest at heart wanted, but no regrets, it was worth the effort. For the record, it remains our view that the four-point sanction is disproportionate and counter to the objectives of PSR for the reasons we lay out in the report.
“The vital nature of fans is absolutely fundamental to the principles of NFST. We now join with all Forest fans in urging our team on to delivering on the pitch to retain our cherished Premier League status. We are certain that our players will listen to their fans in the stands and perform accordingly.”