Nuno admits appeal ruling this week could be crucial

Nottingham Forest will discover the outcome of their appeal over breaching financial rules in the next few days.

The club are awaiting the verdict from last week’s hearing after contesting the Premier League’s punishment of a four-point deduction. With the Premier League expected to make an announcement early this week, Forest remain hopeful the sanction could be reduced by at least one point.

The decision will be reached by a three-person independent commission and then relayed to the Premier League. Forest have asked the league to fast-track the verdict in order to provide clarity before the final three games of the season.

After the home defeat by Manchester City, Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest’s head coach, admitted the appeal verdict would have a major bearing on the relegation battle. “We are all waiting on that decision, we are hoping it is very soon so we can deal with the reality,” he said.

“We don’t know exactly how many points we are on: whether it is 26, 28 or 30. Let’s wait and see. It will make a big difference. Not just for us, for all the league.”

Forest are a point above the relegation zone and have three matches left. On Saturday, they will travel to relegated Sheffield United, before hosting Chelsea and then visiting Burnley on the last day. Despite an improved performance against City, Forest have only one win from their past 10 league matches.

“We know we are in a big fight and we have three cup finals left in our season,” Nuno said. “There are some positives we can take from the Manchester City game and I’m still proud of the players.

“I am still confident we can survive and we must put everything we have into the final games. The players must continue to believe.”