So those who purport to be in charge of implementing the rules, those breaking them and then, subsequently punishing the offenders, have spoken.
After being found guilty of breaching financial rules, Nottingham Forest, after much deliberation, have been deducted FOUR points.
As a result, the points deduction drops them below Luton Town and into the relegation zone, with the Hatters now being healthily placed in 17th place, at least for the next 11, or so, days, until Premier League action resumes following the last international break of the season.
But does the punishment fit the crime?
As you’d expect, Nottingham Forest fought their corner, offering excuse after excuse as to why they had breached the rules, one excuse being that the sale of Brennan Johnson, to Tottenham Hotspur, would have seen them keep within the rules if the deal had been done earlier, but that supposed deal, before the accounting deadline, was to another club.
They’ve also harped on about having to recruit numerous players, after achieving promotion, as their squad had so many on-loan players, but surely, as in the Johnson point above, that was something of their own doing.
Naturally, Nottingham Forest intend to appeal, quite where it will get them remains to be seen, but, already this season, we’ve seen an Everton points deduction reduced from 10 points to 6, will those who reside by the River Trent be equally as fortunate?
But what makes me angry are two major points!
Firstly, if the points deduction is so minimal, speaking as someone who recalls, quite vividly, our won draconian 30-point deduction, what is to stop other clubs over-spending, when it comes to revenue restrictions? Will some consider it a risk worth taking knowing breaking the rules could harvest them another, say, 10 points a season?
Secondly, this whole sorry predicament, subject to the appeal being taken place and the punishment, possibly, being reduced, could some poor souls end up being relegated believing they were safe after the final fixtures of the season have been played, only to drop through the relegation trap door when the results of any lingering appeal are announced?
Your views on the subject topic matter would be gratefully received, please feel free to post in our comment facility beneath this article.
COYH
Tottenham Hotspur v Luton Town?
Tottenham to Win!
Luton Town to Win!
A Draw!
Previous article by Mad Hatter
Luton Town – Striker Continue To Impress Out On Loan
To be fair mh we weren’t deducted for breaking ffp but for owner mismanagement crooks in fact and administrations that is different. But with Everton getting 6 points after appeal as I forecast 4 points was a certainty and is what it is. I forecast that Everton will get another 4 points deducted on the second charge wether that is before next season or not I don’t know. But more importantly how will man city an Chelsea fare with man city facing 115 charges alone. I think we all know they an Chelsea won’t be relegated to div 2.
Apparently Everton tried to hide evidence and Forest were transparent when theirs. So I expected a 4 point deduction as did many on Forest podcasts. Not having definitive punishments is a bad idea. The FA leave themselves open to favouritism when people decide the punishments.
Tbf to Forest, if they are measured based on a lower allowance figure from the championship years included, it paints a grim picture for any side wanting to survive promotion going forward.
The gulf between Championship sides and EPL teams is huge and if you are punishing them for trying to compete with the lowest teams financially then no hope for the future.
Think I read this is why they got 4pts but states clearly the minimum deduction is 6pts? So hoping Everton get the full amount for second charge of 6pts.
That’s a very good point Steve and correct time spent in championship is taken into account meaning that they have a disadvantage from the start an the dice is loaded for premier clubs unfair playing field from the start but what do real supporters expect it’s fixed an we know it
but, perhaps, those in the Championship bemoan the fact that those relegated from the Premier League receive parachute payments!
Can’t argue with that mh.
it’s a warped old game!