West Bromwich Albion have been handed a two-point deduction by the English Football League (EFL) for breaching financial regulations, plunging them deeper into relegation danger in the Championship. The sanction, imposed by an independent Club Financial Review Panel (CFRP), comes after the club exceeded the permitted losses of £39 million over a three-year monitoring period.
Penalty Leaves Baggies in Peril
With only two matches remaining in the season, the deduction leaves West Brom just six points clear of the relegation zone. The Baggies now face a tense finish, with fixtures against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town and already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday. The club expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that the breach amounted to less than £2 million, which they claim is the smallest ever recorded in either the EFL Championship or Premier League.
Club Disagrees with Findings
West Brom maintain that they have complied with profitability and sustainability rules. They attribute the issue to a change in approach by the EFL's Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) regarding community development expenditure. The club is considering an appeal but has affirmed their commitment to resolving the matter on the pitch.
In a statement, West Brom said: "We are disappointed with the decision of the CFRP and believe we have acted within the rules. However, our focus remains on the final two games of the season, and we will do everything we can to secure our Championship status."
The EFL has confirmed that the deduction is immediate and will apply to the current season's standings.
