Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
The immediate loss of points means Forest drop into the Premier League’s relegation zone.
Forest were charged with breaching spending regulations in January 2024 alongside fellow Premier League side Everton, the Toffees receiving a 10-point deduction earlier in the season.
That penalty was reduced to six points later on but Forest have now suffered a similar fate at a crucial point in the campaign.
The six-point hit handed out to the Toffees is believed to be viewed as something of a benchmark punishment but Forest have been docked two points less.
Forest admitted the breach but their defence was based around extenuating circumstances in relation to the sale of Brennan Johnson. The club received a £30m offer from Brentford early last summer but the forward was unwilling to move and Forest felt they could get more money for their star asset if they waited beyond the 30 June PSR deadline.
Forest, who are likely to appeal the ruling, had a hearing on 7th and 8th March, 2024.
Forest were charged in January and the Premier League said in a statement that both clubs “confirmed that they are in breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.”