Forest immediately appealed the verdict, with the outcome of that process initially set for late May. But fearing a scenario whereby the relegation places could be decided after the Premier League season had finished, the authorities fast-tracked the case.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis learnt two months ago his club were being docked four points for breaking the limit of a £105million loss across a three-year cycle. The independent commission ruled that they had overspent by £34.5m.

It followed the East Midlands’ outfit embarking on a spending spree after coming up through the play-offs in 2022. They proceeded to make around 30 new signings, and although the costs were offset by selling Brennan Johnson to Tottenham last summer for £47.5m but that deal came outside of the financial year in question.

It means that Nuno Espirito Santos’ side now face a critical two weeks in their bid to remain in the top flight. Forest currently lie 17th, three points clear of Luton Town with both sides having two games to play.

Burnley lie a point behind the Hatters, and could mathematically still overhaul the ‘Tricky Trees’ if they win both their remaining games and Forest fail to pick up any points. In a potentially crucial twist, Forest head to Turf Moor on the final day of the campaign.

Prior to that, Santos and co host Chelsea at the City Ground on Saturday evening. Victory in that game would put the issue to bed, irrespective of results elsewhere.

The appeal decision threatens to further sour Forest’s relationship with the authorities, with the club charged with misconduct after their 2-0 defeat at Everton last month. During the clash, the visitors had three penalty appeals turned down, with VAR official Stuart Atwell declining to intervene and overturn the referee each time.

The club reacted by launching a scathing attack through their social media channels, accusing Atwell of showing bias for being a Luton fan. They also claimed to have raised concerns about his appointment prior to the match.