Finance guru slams EFL as ‘Ridiculous’ situation emerges in West Brom points deduction saga

West Brom have found themselves in a “ridiculous” situation after being charged with an alleged breach of the profit and sustainability (P&S) rules. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the Championship club will be looking to push any decision into next season amid their relegation fears.

It emerged on 13 April West Brom have been charged with an alleged breach of the EFL’s financial rules for 2024-25, leading to a potential points deduction if they are found guilty. 

However, the Baggies insisted they have “fully complied” with the P&S rules and they will continue to co-operate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit in a bid to resolve the matter. 

James Morrison’s side currently sit 20th in the Championship table, five points above the relegation zone heading into the final three games of the season. 

How West Brom can slow down potential points deduction hearing

Sky Sports reported on 15 April West Brom’s dispute with the EFL revolves around interest payments on loans taken out by former owner Guochuan Lai. 

Bilkul, which took over the Baggies in February 2024, paid around £5m in interest on those loans during the latest accounting period, with a financial rule breach expected to be the outcome if those payments are included in their P&S calculations. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed the EFL’s handling of West Brom’s situation.

“It’s just ridiculous,” said Borson.

“You’ve already got the situation with Leicester. I just can’t understand how it’s got to this stage, and how the information is only now available to them at this stage. I’m sure the EFL is saying, ‘Well, let’s do an expedited process so we can we can find out whether you are going to be deducted points’.

“But why would West Brom accept that? They don’t have to. I’m sure that they will say, ‘No, we needed the appropriate time to prepare for the case to get submissions in, to get the witness statements, to get availability of the right K.C.’, so they’re going to try and slow it down. 

“That’s just for the initial hearing. You’re then asking the panel to come up with effectively a quick decision and a quick penalty, which they can do. But again, West Brom may be entitled to say, ‘Well, there’s no reason why we should be asking them to accelerate everything beyond their ordinary position’.” 

Why West Brom could be waiting until June for points deduction verdict

Borson revealed it could be several weeks before a decision is made around West Brom’s situation.

“Clearly, West Brom want to push this out to next season, depending on what happens in the next few days on the pitch, but it just shouldn’t be in the mix,” said Borson.

“The way they’re talking at the moment is that we could get to early June and still have that situation uncertain. 

“There’s not going to be many points in that relegation battle. It’s quite possible that two or three points are the difference between staying up. It’s a massive issue for them. 

“I just don’t know how they’ve ended up in this situation where it’s just been sprung on them with the accounts being put in on 31 March.” 

The post Finance guru slams EFL as ‘Ridiculous’ situation emerges in West Brom points deduction saga appeared first on Football Insider.