West Brom docked two points as relegation fight reopens | OneFootball

According to ExpressAndStar.com, West Brom have been docked two points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, dragging them back into the Championship relegation fight.

The club disagree with an independent commission that upheld an EFL charge. They were notified late on Friday after a two-day hearing. The decision came roughly 24 hours after proceedings ended, in what is believed to be unprecedented timing.

A PSR change this year on community-support spending underpins a breach of under £2 million. Owners Bilkul Football WBA, fronted by chairman Shilen Patel, have funded The Albion Foundation since their takeover two years ago.

On Tuesday West Brom beat Watford 3-0, extending an unbeaten run to nine and moving eight points clear with two matches left. That appeared to confirm safety, although the pending decision meant nothing was settled.

The equation now is simple, one point from the final two games secures survival. Ipswich Town, second and chasing automatic promotion, visit The Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime, live on television. The finale is at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough next Saturday.

Oxford United, 44 points and in the final relegation place, have a faint lifeline. If West Brom lose to Kieran McKenna’s side and Oxford win, the gap would be three and the fight would go to the final day.

Oxford would also need a goal-difference swing. West Brom are -9 to Oxford’s -15. Before the ruling, James Morrison said his side aimed to finish strongly and make any punishment moot.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com