Forest in Turmoil: Marinakis’s Grip, Nuno’s Exit, and UEFA’s Multi-Club Maze
September 9, 2025
Nottingham Forest faces uncertainty following the departure of manager Nuno Espirito Santo and questions surrounding owner Evangelos Marinakis’s control due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Nuno’s exit stemmed from disagreements over recruitment, while Marinakis temporarily relinquished control to comply with UEFA regulations, sparking debate about the effectiveness of these rules. Crystal Palace’s demotion to the Conference League further complicates the situation, highlighting potential loopholes in UEFA’s enforcement.
Nottingham Forest is once again the center of attention, but not for reasons fans would hope. Following a tumultuous period, Nuno Espirito Santo has departed the club amidst reports of a fractured relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis. The circumstances surrounding Marinakis's control of the club and the implications of UEFA's multi-club ownership rules have further complicated the situation, leaving supporters anxious about the future.
The departure of Nuno Espirito Santo marks the end of what could have been a promising chapter. Despite initial optimism, a breakdown in communication and a divergence in vision between the manager and owner ultimately led to the parting of ways. Sources suggest that Nuno's limited involvement in player recruitment contributed to the discord, highlighting a fundamental difference in how the club should be managed. Here's a video of Nuno talking about his relationship with the owner weeks before he was sacked.
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'Our relationship has changed' - Nuno on Forest owner weeks before sacking
Adding to the complexity, Evangelos Marinakis's role as owner has been under scrutiny due to UEFA's regulations on multi-club ownership. Marinakis, who also owns Olympiakos, temporarily relinquished his position as a "person with significant control" at Nottingham Forest to comply with these rules. This move was necessary because both clubs were potentially on track to compete in the same European competition. However, critics argue that this was merely a cosmetic change, as Marinakis continued to exert his influence behind the scenes. Here is a photo of Evangelos Marinakis.
Image source, Getty Images
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Evangelos Marinakis took over at Nottingham Forest in 2017
The situation has ignited debate about the effectiveness of UEFA's regulations. While the rules aim to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of European competitions, critics argue that loopholes exist, allowing owners to circumvent the regulations through technicalities. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explains that Marinakis acted within the rules by transferring his shares to a blind trust, which, in theory, removed him from executive decision-making. However, Maguire acknowledges that the optics of Marinakis's continued presence around the club raised questions about the true extent of his detachment.
Adding another layer of intrigue, a peculiar incident involving Crystal Palace has further fueled the discussion. Due to a missed deadline regarding UEFA's multi-ownership rules, Crystal Palace was demoted to the Conference League, paving the way for Nottingham Forest to take their place in the Europa League. This unexpected turn of events has intensified scrutiny on the enforcement and effectiveness of UEFA's regulations.
As Nottingham Forest navigates these challenges, the focus shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo and addressing the underlying issues that contributed to his departure. The club's ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial in determining their future success and stability. The upcoming weeks and months will undoubtedly be pivotal as Nottingham Forest seeks to restore confidence and chart a course toward a brighter future.
