EPL Relegation Battle Could Be Decided AFTER 2023/24 Season Finishes Due To Appeal Timeline For Everton And Nottingham Forest

Any potential points deductions handed to Everton or Nottingham Forest relating to the charges issued by the Premier League this week will be applied during the current season.

The two clubs were referred to an independent commission on Monday over alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules in their accounts for 2022/23.

Everton have already been docked 10 points this season after making excessive losses during a three-year period ending in the 2021/22 campaign.

An appeal has been lodged by Everton regarding that punishment but the club could now face a further penalty.

Regarding the new charges, a decision from the independent commission is expected to be delivered within 12 weeks - by early April.

However, both clubs would be entitled to lodge an appeal and this is where things could get messy.

The Premier League's backstop date for appeals is May 24, but that is five days after the final round of fixtures in the 2023/24 season.

Therefore, it is bizarrely plausible that Forest, Everton and other teams near the bottom of the table could end the season without knowing for certain whether they are going down or staying up.

It is plausible that the Premier League's relegation battle may not be officially decided until after the final day of the season

IMAGO/PA Images/Mike Egerton