Will West Brom get a points deduction? Everything we know so far | OneFootball

FLW rounds-up on whether the Baggies will receive a points deduction.

West Brom continue to fight for their Championship status despite some concerning off-the-field issues.

The Baggies have been in such impressive form under interim boss James Morrison, providing real optimism that they will remain a second tier side next season.

But the Black Country outfit were hit with a major blow after The Telegraph’s John Percy stated that the Black Country outfit had been charged by the EFL with an alleged breach of profit and sustainability rules during the 2024-25 campaign, meaning a minor points deduction is possible.

West Brom have since responded that they have fully complied within the rules and haven’t made any breaches, with a hearing expected later this month to resolve the issue.

Albion’s Championship status right now is teetering on a knife-edge due to this news, with all connected to the club still unsure over whether the club will be found guilty of a breach and handed a potentially pivotal deduction.

With this in mind, here at FLW, we bring you all the latest news surrounding West Brom’s saga, and whether the club will receive a points deduction.

Football finance expert makes £1m West Brom claim

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that the breach by West Brom is likely to be very minor, suggesting that they are around £1 million over the EFL’s threshold at most.

He believes this will lead to a minor punishment, and they won’t be docked as many points as Leicester City were, if found guilty.

Via the BBC, Maguire said: "I did my calculations, and I don't have intricate data, and I got the impression Albion were perhaps no more than £1 million over the limit.

"Albion have been working hand-in-hand with the EFL, they've had to comply with a business plan so that might be seen as co-operating, but strictly, if you are over the limit, then there has to be [referral to a] commission.

"But there's a separate issue in that we are almost at the end of the season, and it's not fair on Albion, and it's not fair on the other clubs that are in the relegation dog fight as well.

"A: whether there is going to be a charge. B: whether they are innocent or guilty. C: whether the tariffs are going to be applied before the end of the season.

"I think a lot of these unknowns are creating a lot of stress and distress for clubs and fans and owners and everyone connected."

Sky Sports journalist outlines EFL timeline over West Brom decision

Speaking on Sky Sports covering West Brom’s situation, journalist Rob Dorsett revealed an outcome for West Brom’s potential points deduction is expected sooner rather than later to ensure sporting integrity is maintained and that teams know how to approach the final few games of the season, dependent on where they are in the table.

Dorsett said: "It is possible, but very unlikely I am told, that the punishment will be decided after the final games of the Championship season, with all parties pushing hard for a resolution as soon as possible."

The respected journalist also confirmed that West Brom’s breach is ‘marginal’ rather than 'flagrant', which means if a points deduction is forthcoming, it could be more lenient than the six-point penalty Leicester City received earlier this season.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed a hearing will take place at some point between now and the end of April, albeit the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

Provided that goes ahead, Albion may well know the outcome by the time they host Ipswich Town on the penultimate week of the season or on the final day when they travel to Hillsborough to face League One-bound Sheffield Wednesday.

Alternative EFL punishments revealed

While there is worry for West Brom supporters over a potential points deduction, it is not the only punishment available to the EFL if the Baggies are found guilty of breaching PSR rules.

While a points deduction has been the common tool used, a report by the Mirror claims that there are two other options.

It’s believed a transfer ban and a fine are also on the table, provided the Baggies are found guilty and are unsuccessful in any possible appeal.

But with the likes of Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and Nottingham Forest all receiving points deductions in the Championship and Premier League respectively in recent times, means that this form of punishment is the most likely route that the EFL will go down to punish Albion.