West Bromwich Albion could be hit with a points deduction, having been charged with an alleged breach of the EFL’s financial rules.
West Brom deny breaching rules after EFL charge
Off-field distractions are the last thing West Brom need at this stage of the season, with James Morrison’s side fighting for their lives in the Championship, but on Monday morning it emerged they have been charged with an alleged breach of the EFL’s financial rules.
However, the Championship side have been quick to deny any wrongdoing, putting out a statement which read: “West Bromwich Albion acknowledges media reports relating to the club’s compliance with the EFL’s Profitability & Sustainability (P&S) rules.
“The club considers that it has fully complied with the P&S rules. The club will continue to co-operate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit and looks forward to resolving this matter.
“Albion understands the concerns of supporters and thanks fans for their unwavering support of the team, whose success on the pitch during the final four games of the season remains our absolute priority. It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further at this stage.”
John Percy has also shared what he knows about the situation in a report for The Telegraph, revealing West Brom appointed financial director John Pelling, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday, to ‘troubleshoot’ their finances earlier this year.
The Owls are of course dealing with their own financial issues while sorting through a takeover and administration, and could be hit with a further deduction themselves if the new owners do not pay £15m to Dejphon Chansiri.
Pelling has worked at Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and most recently Stoke City, having left his position as the Head of Finance there in summer 2025.
Interestingly, the Baggies are attempting to delay punishment until next season, given that they are currently sitting just two points above the Championship relegation zone, despite turning things around under the helm of Morrison over the past month or so.
Should they be found guilty, Albion could be hit with a points deduction, transfer ban or fine, even though the breach isn’t believed to be major, having only slightly exceeded loss limits.
Since July 2022, West Brom’s total losses are £55.6m, which is over the limit of £39m across a three-year reporting period, although that figure is not set in stone, as it doesn’t include the money spent on the women’s team, the academy and community development.
Leicester City have already been hit with a six-point deduction this season, which leaves the Foxes in serious trouble of being relegated to League One for the first time since 2009, as they are now four points from safety.
The hope will be that West Brom don’t suffer a similar fate, with Morrison’s side sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, despite going on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Championship.
