Exclusive: Nottingham Forest make ‘cutthroat’ decision in bid for £17m windfall
Nottingham Forest will be making no friends in the Premier League as they pursue a £17million financial boost in a “cutthroat way”, according to Dan Plumley.
The football finance expert told Football Insider exclusively that the Tricky Trees had their eyes on an “obvious financial boost”.
Crystal Palace qualified for the Europa League with their FA Cup final win over Man City, but qualification to Europe came as a shock, given the Sky Blues were heavy favourites and the Eagles were a bottom-half side for the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.
But majority shareholder John Textor failed to recognise his ownership of Lyon may present a problem, and the American businessman missed the opportunity to put his shares of the club in a blind trust back in March.
Should Palace be expelled from the Europa League, their place in the competition could end up going to Forest, who finished seventh and qualified for the Conference League.
On 9 June, The Times reported that the Tricky Trees had written to UEFA to express their concerns about the Eagles competing in Europe’s second-tier competition.
Forest themselves are “owned” by Evangelos Marinakis, but his shares are now in a blind trust, due to his ownership of Greek side Olympiacos.
Nottingham Forest letter motivated by ‘personal gain’
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Plumley explained why Forest had decided to write to UEFA, citing the differences in finances between competing in the Europa and Conference League as a decisive factor as to why Forest are looking to benefit.
The finance expert revealed that playing in the Europa League group stages was worth €20m (£17m) alone.
Plumley said: “Well, there’s an obvious financial boost to Nottingham Forest for competing in the Europa League versus the Conference League.
“Europa League will get you around €20m minimum from the group stage nowadays, you can see the financial incentive.
“I think it’s really tricky, this one, and it goes back to that kind of conversation we always have about the fact that we expect clubs to be a collective and support each other, and this is an example where that absolutely flies out the window.
“This is for personal gain for Nottingham Forest, in a cutthroat way.
“You can understand that to a degree, but it’s really tricky from the way this situation’s played out.”
Nottingham Forest face boost in keeping stars with European upgrade
Pete O’Rourke revealed exclusively to Football Insider that Forest were facing a battle to keep Anthony Elanga this summer, with Newcastle interested in the winger.
The transfer correspondent revealed that, due to the Tricky Trees only qualifying for Conference League football, the allure of the Champions League would be a huge draw for the ex-Man United man.
Whilst the Europa League still lacks the draw of UEFA’s most prestigious competition, a potential upgrade in competition could be a factor for several Forest stars when it comes to deciding on their future.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side can sell the idea of winning the competition as a feasible idea, whereas a swift exit would be more likely if they are competing in the Champions League.