West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes has demanded answers from the English Football League over the decision to dock Albion two points for breaking financial regulations. The Baggies secured their Championship safety with a draw against Ipswich Town on Saturday, but only after being placed in relegation peril by the two-point penalty imposed by the EFL on Friday for a breach of profit and sustainability rules.
The deduction ignited fury among supporters, who voiced their anger at league officials during the match at The Hawthorns, believing the punishment was overly harsh for what is considered a minor infraction. MP Coombes has now written to EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, calling for a full explanation. She shared her letter on social media, stating: "Few things have united my constituents like the anger felt over the West Bromwich Albion points deduction."
MP Seeks Clarity on Punishment
In her letter, Coombes wrote: "Thousands of West Bromwich Albion fans have expressed their dismay and anger at this decision. I am seeking answers on their behalf." She specifically asked: "Please could you, without delay, set out in writing why the decision was made to deduct two points from the club?" She also demanded to know: "Please could you set out why the EFL sees the club’s donations to its charitable arm as a punishable offence?"
Timing and Scale of Breach Questioned
Coombes further queried: "Please could you explain why this investigation and decision have come so late in the season?" She highlighted that the financial breach is reportedly less than £2 million, describing it as "the smallest ever breach of P&S rules across the EFL Championship and the Premier League." She added: "It is genuinely astounding to me and many fans that such a punishment should be applied to a discrepancy this small."
Concluding her letter, the MP said: "West Bromwich Albion has a proud history of fighting injustice, and I join them in their anger at this decision, and the way it has been communicated."
