Nottingham Forest launch appeal against FFP points deduction as Everton await outcome

Nottingham Forest are appealing the Premier League points deduction they were handed last week for breaching spending rules. The four-point penalty saw them sink into the bottom three with nine games of the season remaining.

Everton sit four points ahead having played a game fewer. Everton's second round of Profit & Sustainability charges, also levelled in January alongside Forest, is expected to start this week. The Toffees also have the right to appeal the outcome, a process that might not be completed until after the conclusion of the season.

Forest had a week to submit their appeal against the decision from the independent commission, which had lowered their sanction from six points after the club were deemed to have provided "exceptional co-operation" in the case. But now, Forest have decided to appeal.

Everton have more immediate problem to address ahead of key week for PSR hearing

Everton takeover: Supporters call for answers

On Monday, a Forest club statement said: "Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club's breach of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club will not be making any further statement at this time."

In its own statement, the Premier League added: "Nottingham Forest Football Club has appealed the decision of an independent Commission to impose a four-point deduction on the club, after its admission of a breach of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel today, who will now appoint an Appeal Board to hear the case."

The Reds were accused of breaking the rules in January and faced a