Premier League clubs are bracing themselves for potential Financial Fair Play (FFP) punishment, with Nottingham Forest facing the most immediate threat, per The Times.
The new season brings a harsher approach to FFP breaches, with charges and even points deductions possible by January 14.
Forest’s journey from the Championship to the Premier League has put them under financial scrutiny.
Their pre-promotion spending spree – including doubling their wage bill and exceeding £45 million in losses – has raised red flags.
Merseyside club Everton have already been punished with a 10-point deduction, but they could face another blow if the same calculation system applies.
The financial ghosts of their past may come back to haunt them, impacting their season again.
However, not all clubs are in the firing line. Chelsea, despite heavy losses, may escape immediate punishment thanks to a summer fire sale of players.
They sold Kalidou Koulibaly, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic, earning themselves some financial reprieve.
Chelsea also shifted N’Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the wage bill.
The influx of transfer fees could balance their books and keep them off the initial charge list.
However, Manchester City and Chelsea have more complex investigations pending.
They face a web of alleged financial breaches and potential off-the-books payments, likely resulting in prolonged legal battles outside the new fast-track system.
The January 14 deadline looms large, and potential punishments could have dire consequences for the rest of the season and beyond.
