Aston Villa and Wolves' rivals due 'severe' Premier League punishments after PSR ruling

Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged with alleged breaches of the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) and could be set to face points deductions, as well as hefty fines.

The English top-tier pair, in the same division as West Midlands sides Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, have been referred to an independent commission after admitting to the breaches. From there, punishments will be decided and communicated in due course.

Everton, who fought well to draw 0-0 with Unai Emery's Villa on Sunday, have already been deducted 10 points this season but could see more taken off their tally. Forest, meanwhile, are four points above the drop but could be dragged into the bottom three if the discipline is severe enough.

What have Everton said after fresh PSR breach allegation?

An Everton statement, published on January 15, read: “Everton Football Club acknowledges the Premier League’s decision to refer a breach of Profit & Sustainability rules (PSR) for the assessment period ending with the 2022/23 season to an independent Premier League commission.

“This relates to a period which covers seasons 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. It therefore includes financial periods (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22) for which the club has already received a 10-point sanction. The club is currently appealing that sanction.

“The Premier League does not have guidelines which prevent a club being sanctioned for alleged breaches in financial periods which have already been subject to punishment, unlike other governing bodies, including the EFL. As a result – and because of the Premier League’s new commitment to deal with such matters “in-season” – the club is in a position where it has had no option but to submit a PSR calculation which remains subject to change, pending the outcome of the appeal.

“The club must now defend another Premier League complaint which includes the very same financial periods for which it has already been sanctioned, before that appeal has even been heard. The Club takes the view that this results from a clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules.

“Everton can assure its fans that it will continue to defend its position during the ongoing appeal and, should it be required to do so, at any future commission – and that the impact on supporters will be reflected as part of that process.”

How have Nottingham Forest responded?

Nuno Espirito Santo's side were far more brief with their response as a Forest statement read: “Nottingham Forest acknowledges the statement from the Premier League confirming that the club has today been charged with a breach of the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

“The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution.”