How West Brom have reacted to concerning points deduction talk | OneFootball

West Brom are in danger of receiving a points deduction penalty from the EFL

West Brom are facing the threat of relegation to League One this season amid a difficult year.

The Baggies have struggled for consistent form, and are now on their third head coach of the season in James Morrison.

The 39-year-old has been appointed to the end of the term in what is his first role as the main manager at a club.

He replaced Eric Ramsay, who lasted just 44 days in charge at the Hawthorns before being dismissed, failing to win any of his nine games with the Midlands outfit.

Ryan Mason began the season as the new head coach, but he was dismissed in January with the team sliding down the table.

And it has now been reported by The Telegraph that West Brom are at risk of being punished by the EFL for an alleged breach of their profit and sustainability (P&S) rules, which could lead to a points deduction.

West Brom respond to potential EFL rule breaches

West Brom have released a statement in response to reports that they have failed to comply with the P&S rules from last season, which could lead to a points deduction for this campaign.

The Championship side are confident that they have adhered to the rules, and that they intend to fully co-operate with the EFL as part of their investigation into the matter.

“West Bromwich Albion acknowledges media reports relating to the club’s compliance with the EFL’s Profitability & Sustainability rules,” wrote the club, via their official website.

“The club considers that it has fully complied with the P&S rules.

“The club will continue to co-operate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit and looks forward to resolving this matter.

“Albion understands the concerns of supporters and thanks fans for their unwavering support of the team, whose success on the pitch during the final four games of the season remains our absolute priority.

“It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further at this stage.”

It remains to be seen when a decision will be made on the alleged breaches, or when any potential punishment could be handed out, but it could still impact the current league table.

Relegation rivals Leicester City have already been docked six points this season for financial rule breaches, and they were unsuccessful in their appeal of the decision.

There are five points between the Foxes and Morrison’s side, who are 20th in the Championship table with just four games to go.

The Baggies are unbeaten in their last seven games, but have earned just two wins in that time, leaving them just two points clear of the relegation zone.

A points deduction would put the club at an even greater risk of dropping into the third tier of English football, where they haven’t competed since 1993.

Next up for West Brom is a trip to face Preston North End at Deepdale on 18 April in a 3pm kick-off.

West Brom can’t say much until the EFL makes a decision

It would be quite surprising for the EFL to investigate a potential breach of their financial rules without having firm evidence that the rules have been broken.

While West Brom may publicly claim their innocence, they must also surely have some proof that they have complied with the rules.

A points deduction would be extremely harmful, and could be the difference between staying up and going down, so this is the risk clubs run by being close in terms of complying with the P&S rules.

Both West Brom and the EFL will be hoping for a swift and painless resolution, but there isn’t much time left in the campaign, so it remains to be seen whether it will definitely impact this year or the next.