West Bromwich Albion have been handed an immediate two-point deduction after being found guilty of breaching the English Football League's financial regulations, intensifying their relegation concerns with just two Championship matches remaining.
Details of the Breach
The penalty relates to an alleged violation of the £39 million loss limit over the three-year period ending in the 2024-25 season. Following the deduction, West Brom now sit on 50 points, six points clear of third-bottom Oxford United.
Club's Response
West Brom denied the allegations, but the EFL's independent Club Financial Review Panel (CFRP) determined that the losses contravened profitability and sustainability rules, imposing the sanction. The club has the right to appeal and stated they are considering their options. In a statement, they said: "The club disagrees with the CFRP's findings and remains of the view that it has fully complied with the profitability and sustainability rules. For now, we will settle this on the pitch."
Surprise at Verdict Speed
West Brom are understood to be taken aback by the swift verdict, announced just after the hearing concluded on Thursday, and consider it unusual that it was delivered without written reasons. The club submitted their accounts in December but were not charged until late March. The EFL maintains that a rapid decision was necessary to provide clarity before the season ends.
Quantum of Breach
"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 also indicated that an EFL change regarding how community project expenditure is treated led to the breach determination. League rules stipulate that any appeal must be heard within 28 days of submission.
