]]]]>]]>Nottingham Forest may learn this month whether they will regain any of the four points they lost for breaking spending rules.

Nuno Espirito Santo's men are just one point above the relegation zone following their penalty in March, after they were found to have breached the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations.

Forest appealed against the punishment and it is understood the hearing will start in the week beginning April 22.

Before that, Forest face a potentially decisive match at Everton, who are a point above them following their own deductions, on April 21.

Sean Dyche's team, who were docked a further two points after being penalised six points for financial breaches earlier in the season, face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Nottingham Forest may learn this month whether they will regain any of the four points they were docked for financial rule breaches

Before Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wolves, Nuno hit out at the uncertainty surrounding the relegation picture because of the points penalties.

He said: 'It can affect the integrity of the competition, no doubt about it.

'It's a mess because it's appeal after appeal after appeal and we don't know what exactly is going to happen.

'It's better for us if it is resolved as soon as possible and it is better for the competition so it doesn't create mess, confusion and uncertainty, because this is what we are experiencing now - so much going on, so much talking, appeal after appeal.'

There is uncertainty over when Everton's appeal hearing will come with the Premier League stating that May 24 is the final date that the case needs to be concluded by.

Should the case be decided then, Everton could hypothetically play the final game of the season against Arsenal on May 19 not knowing if they will avoid the drop or stay up.

Meanwhile, the EFL announced yesterday that they did not have the jurisdiction to dock Leicester Championship points for breaches of profit and sustainability rules while they were in the Premier League.

The Foxes had also sought an injunction against any sporting sanctions being made against them this season.

Sean Dyche has revealed Everton's latest points dock was a 'surprise' but insists everyone is still focused

Many have questioned the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules this season following Forest and Everton's sanctions, with English clubs reportedly understood to have agreed to a new financial model to control costs.

Some have argued the current regulations are not fit for purpose with Premier League sides seemingly in favour of a squad-cost rotation system.