West Bromwich Albion risk Championship points penalty for alleged financial breach

(Getty)

West Bromwich Albion could face a points deduction this season following an alleged breach of the English Football League’s financial regulations.

The potential sanction, understood by the Press Association, stems from a compliance report filed by the Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) regarding the club's loss limits for the 2024-25 season under the EFL’s profitability and sustainability (P&S) rules.

The Telegraph first reported the development on Monday.

Under EFL guidelines, any sanctions are typically applied in the season immediately following the breach. This means that if a points penalty is imposed, it would directly impact Albion’s current standing in the Championship.

The club currently sits 20th in the Sky Bet Championship, a mere two points above the relegation zone, making any deduction potentially catastrophic.

It is understood that West Brom are attempting to defer any punishment until the next season. Beyond a points deduction, other possible penalties include a transfer embargo or a financial fine.

James Morrison, Interim Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion (Getty)

As a club competing in the Championship last season, West Brom were mandated to submit their annual accounts for the 2024-25 period by 31 December 2025, with all clubs' submissions assessed for compliance.

The club now has 14 days to respond to the CFRU's report, with a hearing usually scheduled within 28 days of its submission. While decisions by the Club Financial Reporting Panel (CFRP) are generally made public, discussions between clubs and the EFL remain confidential until that point.

So far this season, two teams in the Championship have received points deductions. Leicester City were deducted six points in February after being found to have breached Premier League financial rules. Earlier this month, the team lost their appeal to have the points deduction overturned. The former Premier League champions are currently 23rd in the table and four points from safety.

Elsewhere, Sheffield Wednesday, who have already been relegated, were deducted 12 points in October after filing for administration. The Owls were docked a further six points by the EFL for multiple breaches of its regulations in December.

Both the EFL and West Bromwich Albion declined to comment when approached.