‘Marinakis could pull U-turn after Nottingham Forest ownership update’
Evangelos Marinakis has made a big change at Nottingham Forest as he prepares for European football at the City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and Marinakis-owned Olympiacos could both be competing in the Champions League next season – but Uefa’s rules prohibit clubs from being controlled by the same owners or directors from competing in the same competition.
As a result, Marinakis has now ceased control of Forest following a string of submissions on Companies House.
However, Forest sit sixth in the Premier League table – with only the top five qualifying for the Champions League next term.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on Marinakis’ plans at the City Ground.
Marinakis could pull ‘very quick’ U-turn if needed, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted it would be “very quick” for Marinakis to pull a U-turn on the ownership change if Forest don’t qualify.
The Greek billionaire has been in charge since 2017 after purchasing the club alongside Sokratis Kominakis.
Wyness insisted he sees no ulterior motive for Marinakis other than “being prudent”.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 4 | Newcastle United | 35 | 63 | +21 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 35 | 63 | +21 |
| 6 | Nottingham Forest | 35 | 61 | +12 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 35 | 60 | +6 |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 35 | 53 | +13 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s very straightforward.
“It’s all about the Uefa rules on multi-club ownership. He’s putting his shares into a blind trust, which is acceptable for Uefa.
“Olympiakos and Forest could play in the same competition next year, and that’s not allowed with Marinakis in charge of both.
“However, for Forest – whether that’s going to be Champions League or not, it is still yet to be seen.
“They looked nailed on for a while, but it’s now looking very doubtful.
“They’ve got a big game against Chelsea coming up.
“Marinakis was prudent, he was planning ahead. It’s important to note that the shares can come back out of the blind trust very quickly if they’re not in the same competition.
“There’s nothing more to it than being prudent and ensuring the clubs comply with the rules and regulations.”
Nottingham Forest enter Delap race
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (8 May) that Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign exit-bound Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old has a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract believed to be worth £30million.
Delap has scored 12 goals and provided two assists across 34 Premier League games so far this season.
For more Nottingham Forest and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.