West Bromwich Albion have been docked two points after being found to have breached the EFL's financial rules, pulling them back into relegation danger with two Championship matches remaining.
Details of the Breach
The punishment relates to an alleged breach of the £39m loss limit in the three-year period culminating in the 2024-25 season. West Brom now have 50 points, six clear of third-bottom Oxford United. The club denied the allegations, but the EFL's independent club financial review panel (CFRP) determined that the losses broke profitability and sustainability rules and imposed the deduction.
Club's Response and Appeal Options
West Brom have the right to appeal and said they were considering their options. “The club disagrees with the CFRP’s findings and remains of the view that it has fully complied with the profitability and sustainability rules,” they said. Their statement ended: “For now, we will settle this on the pitch.”
West Brom are understood to be surprised at the speed with which a verdict was announced after the hearing ended on Thursday and to consider it unusual that it was delivered without written reasons. The club submitted their accounts in December but were not charged until the end of March. The EFL contends that a swift decision was required to give clarity before the season ends.
Quantum of Breach and Community Expenditure
“West Bromwich Albion has not been informed of the quantum of the breach, save that this is less than £2m,” the club said. “This is therefore the smallest ever breach of the P&S rules across the EFL Championship and the Premier League.” West Brom said an EFL change in relation to how it regards community project expenditure had led to a breach being determined. League rules state that any appeal must be heard within 28 days of submission.
