West Bromwich Albion have been hit with an immediate two-point deduction after being found guilty of a financial breach, plunging the club back into relegation danger in the Championship.
Details of the Sanction
The penalty was announced on Thursday, following a two-day hearing on Wednesday and Thursday. The decision came within 24 hours of the hearing's conclusion, believed to be the quickest ever outcome of its kind. The deduction reduces Albion's buffer over the relegation zone to six points with only two games remaining in the season.
Club's Response
Albion maintain their innocence and insist they have complied with profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations. The club are considering their options regarding a possible appeal. No written reasons have been provided for the sanction, and the club have not been informed of the exact amount of their overspend beyond PSR limits, except that the figure is less than £2 million.
In a statement, Albion revealed that the overspend—beyond the permitted losses of £41.5 million across three seasons—fell into the category of expenditure on facilities, staff time, and resources for their official charity partner, The Albion Foundation. However, the club claim they were informed earlier this year by the EFL's club financial reporting unit of a change in approach to PSR rules, leading to an adjustment in the club's PSR loss calculation.
Impact on Relegation Battle
The deduction adds further jeopardy to Albion's late-season bid to avoid relegation. Manager James Morrison had orchestrated a nine-match unbeaten run to pull the club clear of the drop zone. The Baggies moved eight points clear with two games left after Tuesday's win over Watford, but the sanction pulls them back within reach of their relegation rivals ahead of Saturday's home game against Ipswich Town.
Albion's next match is a crucial encounter at The Hawthorns, where they will look to secure the points needed to ensure Championship survival despite the setback.
