Why Evangelos Marinakis is withdrawing control of Nottingham Forest as Premier League high-flyers target Champions League spot

ESPN states that Marinakis has taken a step back from his ownership duties at Forest, who sit sixth in the Premier League. However, the Olympiacos owner will still be heavily involved at the Premier League side and here's why.

The report states that Marinakis' decision comes in light of the UEFA ruling that stops clubs under the same ownership group from competing in the same European competition. Forest and Olympiacos are in with a shot of being in next season's Champions League and documents filed to Companies House show the Greek businessman will be "ceasing to be a person of significant control" at the Premier League side, with his club shares being placed into a blind trust. If he were still at the helm and both teams qualified for the same competition, Forest would likely be barred from that tournament.

A blind trust allows Marinakis to hand over control or influence over the day-to-day running of Forest - who are level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and one point behind third-placed Manchester City. He still remains the club's owner and is said to be committed to the Tricky Trees.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Forest, who have a game in hand on their nearest rivals, take on Brentford in the Premier League on Thursday as they target a top five spot in the division.