Why Everton and Nottingham Forest could be relegated from the Premier League AFTER the end of the season

Everton and Nottingham Forest may not find out their relegation fate until AFTER the Premier League season has ended.

The Toffees are celebrating after its 10-point penalty for violating profitability and sustainability standards was reduced to six points on appeal.

However, both Everton and Forest have new PSR allegations hanging over their heads.

Much remains up in the air over the charges and talkSPORT.com has the latest on what it all means for both clubs.

Why could Everton and Nottingham Forest be relegated after the season ends?

The hearing for Everton and Forest on these PSR violations is scheduled for March.

An Independent Commission will examine both cases and must confirm the punishment no later than April 8.

If point deductions are applied, both clubs would have seven days to file an appeal.

The outcome of that process would have to be confirmed before the Premier League's Annual General Meeting.

This year's AGM is scheduled for May 24, five days after the end of the season, throwing up all sorts of possible scenarios.

5

Either side could finish the campaign in the bottom three and then, a few days later, pick up some points and survive.

It could also work the other way around if the Independent Commission considers the appeal a waste of time or if more evidence comes to light.

Of course, one would expect that all the clubs in the relegation battleThis situation is resolved long before the end of the season.

Why has Everton's points deduction been reduced?

The Toffees could still face another points deduction in their second PSR charge, but for now they have achieved a small victory.

After initially being deducted ten points and plunging them into the relegation zone, Sean Dyche's men have gained four positions back, which leaves them far from the bottom three for now.

Everton immediately lodged an appeal stating that they considered the sanction unfair and the Appeals Board agreed.

They believed the ten-point deduction was disproportionate to Everton's financial defaults.

The Appeal Chamber also rejected the idea that Everton did not act in good faith throughout the process, which is why they have been returned four points.

5

In a statement, the club said: “We are pleased that our appeal has resulted in a reduction in penalty points.

“We understand that the Appeals Board considered the 10-point deduction originally imposed to be inappropriate when assessed against the available benchmarks reported to the Commission by the club, including the position under the relevant EFL regulations, and the 9-point deduction that is imposed under the Premier League's own rules in the event of insolvency.

“The club is also particularly pleased with the Appeal Board's decision to overturn the original Commission's conclusion that the Club did not act with the utmost good faith.

“That decision, along with the reduction of the points deduction, was an incredibly important point of principle for the club in the appeal. The club therefore feels justified in continuing with its appeal.

“The club remains fully committed to co-operating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing procedures initiated for the accounting period ending June 2023.”

talkSPORT understands the Toffees are hoping to avoid anything too serious in the second round of offences.

But there could still be more trouble on the horizon for Everton, meaning it is up to Dyche's players to take the club as high up the table as possible.

5

What is happening with Nottingham Forest?

The Premier League confirmed in January 2024 that Forest had been found guilty of breaching PSR rules.

Top-flight regulations state that no team over a three-year period can lose more than £105m, whereas if a team were in the EFL it is less than that.

Forest They were promoted from the Championship in 2022, meaning they have less room for maneuver than their competitors.

But in that time, they have spent almost £250 million on 45 players and recovered just £5m in player sales during the period in which they were found guilty.

Brennan Johnson was sold in the summer of 2023 to Tottenham, but that sale is included in the next triennium.

So, Nuno Holy SpiritMen face a potentially significant point deduction, which could relegate them.

5

In a statement, the club said: “Nottingham Forest acknowledges the Premier League's statement confirming that the club has today been accused of breaching the league's profitability and sustainability standards.

“The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League in this matter and is confident of a swift and fair resolution.”

They now face a nervous wait to see what the Independent Commission decides.

From there, they will be able to lodge an appeal, but their Premier League fate is likely to remain up in the air well into May.