Finance expert reacts to 'ridiculous' West Brom points deduction news | OneFootball

West Brom are currently facing the threat of a points deduction for an alleged PSR breach

West Brom moved one step closer to survival in the Championship with a 2-0 win against Preston North End at the weekend.

Goals from Josh Maja and Daryl Dike secured an important three points that gave the Baggies some daylight on Oxford United in 22nd.

James Morrison’s side are now unbeaten in their last eight league games, putting them five points clear of the relegation zone.

However, it was reported last week that the club are at risk of a points deduction for an alleged breach of the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR).

It remains to be seen what the sanction will be if Albion are found guilty, but it could have an impact on their bid to survive in the Championship.

West Brom have not competed in the third tier of English football since 1993, and they will be hoping to keep it that way with just three games remaining.

Football finance expert slams West Brom points deduction situation

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has questioned why the EFL have only brought a sanction against West Brom with a few weeks remaining in the Championship season, suggesting it’s left the league in a ridiculous situation.

He believes that a rushed outcome of this investigation could lead to the Baggies not accepting any ruling, particularly given how long it took to come to a decision the Leicester City case, with the Foxes being docked six points in February for a similar PSR breach.

“It’s just ridiculous,” said Borson, via Football Insider.

“You’ve already got the situation with Leicester.

“I just can’t understand how it’s got to this stage, and how the information is only now available to them at this stage.

“I’m sure the EFL is saying, ‘Well, let’s do an expedited process so we can we can find out whether you are going to be deducted points’.

“But why would West Brom accept that? They don’t have to.

“I’m sure that they will say, ‘No, we needed the appropriate time to prepare for the case to get submissions in, to get the witness statements, to get availability of the right K.C.’, so they’re going to try and slow it down.

“That’s just for the initial hearing.

“You’re then asking the panel to come up with effectively a quick decision and a quick penalty, which they can do.

“But again, West Brom may be entitled to say, ‘Well, there’s no reason why we should be asking them to accelerate everything beyond their ordinary position’.”

It has been claimed that any PSR breach by West Brom could lead to a points deduction this season, which could impact the club’s survival hopes.

The Baggies have a five point lead on Oxford United, with just three games to go, but it remains to be seen what kind of penalty could be enforced if Albion are found guilty.

The Midlands outfit have pleaded their innocence, with no firm timeframe given for when a decision of this investigation could be made.

Morrison is reportedly in line to become the next permanent head coach at the Hawthorns, provided he keeps the team in the second division.

The 39-year-old has overseen three wins, five draws and one loss from his nine fixtures in charge so far.

Next up for West Brom is a home clash against Watford on Tuesday evening in a 7.45pm kick-off.

West Brom financial issue hangs over the end of their season

It’s frustrating for the league as a whole that this PSR breach investigation now hangs over West Brom.

While their recent results have dug them out of the relegation battle, to an extent, they could be plunged into the bottom three after the campaign is already over now because of this situation.

It’s unfair on the players to have to deal with this, and the league needs to put in place a proper process so that these matters can either be resolved earlier in the campaign, or could be left to the summer and the next season.

All Morrison’s side can do now is keep up their current form and ensure that any points deduction won’t put the team into the relegation zone.