Key Takeaways
- West Brom lose two points for breaking EFL profit rules.
- Club now sit 20th, six points above the drop with two games left.
- West Brom may appeal within 14 days but say they will “settle it on the pitch”.
West Bromwich Albion have been stripped of two points after an independent panel ruled they broke the English Football League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
The punishment shoves the Baggies from 18th down to 20th in the Championship table on 50 points, leaving them only six clear of the relegation places with two matches remaining. A single point from either game will still guarantee safety because of their stronger goal difference.
James Morrison’s men welcome high-flying Ipswich Town on Saturday and finish the campaign at already-down Sheffield Wednesday on 2 May. Oxford United, just below the line, must win both fixtures and overturn a six-goal swing to send West Brom down.
In a brief statement the club said they “do not agree” with the panel’s finding and are reviewing a possible appeal, but added: “For now, we will settle this on the pitch.”
West Brom argue the breach is less than £2 million and stems from a late change in how the league counts community work donated to their own charity, the Albion Foundation. The club believe last season’s accepted figures were suddenly disallowed, tipping them over the £39 million loss limit.
Owners Bilkul also wanted loan-interest payments, inherited from the previous regime, kept out of the calculation. The panel refused, insisting the interest is part of the club’s overall spending.
An appeal can be lodged within two weeks of receiving full written reasons. If submitted, it must be heard within 28 days.
