West Bromwich Albion have been deducted two points with immediate effect after being found in breach of the EFL's financial regulations, intensifying their relegation concerns with just two Championship matches remaining.
The penalty relates to exceeding the permitted £39 million loss threshold over the three-year period ending in the 2024-25 season. The club now sits on 50 points, six clear of third-bottom Oxford United, but the deduction narrows their safety margin.
West Brom denied the allegations, but the EFL's independent Club Financial Review Panel (CFRP) ruled the club had breached profitability and sustainability rules. The club has the right to appeal and stated it is considering its options, adding: 'The club disagrees with the CFRP's findings and remains of the view that it has fully complied with the profitability and sustainability rules.'
The club expressed surprise at the speed of the verdict, delivered shortly after Thursday's hearing concluded, and noted it was unusual that written reasons were not provided. West Brom submitted their accounts in December but were not charged until late March. The EFL argued a swift decision was necessary to provide clarity before the season ends.
West Brom also stated they have not been informed of the exact breach amount, only that it is less than £2 million, calling it 'the smallest ever breach of the P&S rules across the EFL Championship and the Premier League.' The club attributed the breach to a change in how the EFL regards community project expenditure. Any appeal must be lodged within 28 days.
