Journalist reveals how many points West Brom could be deducted | OneFootball

West Brom are set to be charged with a breach of the EFL's financial rules, but the possible punishment may not be too severe.

The Championship relegation battle may be set for a big twist amid reports that West Bromwich Albion could be handed a points deduction.

West Brom made a strong start to the season under Ryan Mason, but a poor run of form led to his sacking in early January, and the club were dragged into relegation danger during Eric Ramsay's disastrous 44-day reign, during which he failed to win any of his nine games in charge.

James Morrison took interim charge of the Baggies after Ramsay's exit in February, and the 39-year-old has inspired an impressive upturn in form, with his side now unbeaten in their last seven games following a 0-0 draw against third-placed Millwall at The Hawthorns on Friday night.

However, with Oxford United and Portsmouth both picking up victories on Saturday, Albion are just two points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining, and their situation could be about to worsen after some concerning off-field news.

The Telegraph reported on Monday morning that West Brom have been charged with an alleged breach of the EFL's profit and sustainability rules in relation to their financial accounts from the 2024-25 season, which may have big implications for their survival hopes.

Potential West Brom points deduction revealed after breaching EFL financial rules

West Brom issued a statement in response to the media reports, insisting that they have "fully complied with the P&S rules" and will "continue to co-operate with the EFL’s club financial reporting unit".

However, while The Telegraph claim that the Baggies' breach is "not thought to be significant and only a minor number above loss limits", a punishment could still be on the cards, with a points deduction, transfer ban or a fine among the possible sanctions.

Under EFL rules, as the breach is alleged to have taken place last season, any sanction would need to be applied in the current campaign, but it is believed that Albion are hoping to postpone any punishment until next season.

However, although West Brom supporters may be fearing a hefty points deduction like the six points Leicester City were docked in February, it seems they could be looking at a much less severe sanction.

According to the BBC's Dale Johnson, if the Baggies are found guilty of breaching profit and sustainability rules, they could be hit with a deduction of just two or three points, although that would be enough to drop them into the relegation zone.

With just four games remaining, Johnson also claims that the outcome of the situation may not be determined until after the season finishes on 2nd May, so it could be an intriguing few weeks ahead on and off the pitch at The Hawthorns.

West Brom supporters facing anxious wait as points deduction threat looms

After a turbulent season, West Brom fans could have been forgiven for assuming that a corner had been turned after their recent improvement under Morrison, but the news of a potential points deduction will be a huge concern for the Baggies faithful.

It could be argued that it is too late in the season for Albion to be hit with a punishment when they have little time to recover from the damage, but with EFL rules stating that any sanctions relating to the previous campaign must be imposed in the following one, they may need to prepare for the worst.

The positive for West Brom is that any points deduction is likely to be small, and with some relatively favourable fixtures to come before the end of the season, combined with their strong recent form, they should still be confident of avoiding the drop.