West Brom docked two points as PSR breach reopens relegation fight | OneFootball

West Brom have been docked two points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, pulling them back into the Championship relegation fight. The club strongly disagrees with an independent commission decision, notified late on Friday after a two-day hearing.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the verdict arrived 24 hours after the two-day hearing, timing believed unprecedented. The breach, under £2 million, stems from a PSR change this year on community support spending, and owners Bilkul Football WBA, fronted by chairman Shilen Patel, have funded The Albion Foundation since their takeover two years ago.

Albion beat Watford 3-0 on Tuesday to stretch a nine-game unbeaten run and move eight points clear with two matches left, which would have sealed safety but for the pending ruling. They now need one point from their final two fixtures to be sure of staying up.

James Morrison’s side host second-placed, promotion-chasing Ipswich Town on Saturday lunchtime, live on television. Oxford United, in the final relegation place on 44 points, are six behind and handed a faint lifeline. They face relegated bottom club Sheffield Wednesday at 3pm, after Albion’s game, so will know the picture.

If Albion lose to Kieran McKenna’s side and Oxford win, the fight rolls to Saturday 2 May with the gap at three. Albion then visit Hillsborough, where a point would secure survival. For Oxford to overtake, a goal difference swing is also needed, with Albion at -9 to Oxford’s -15, though two Oxford wins and two Albion defeats would naturally shift that.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com