‘Ridiculous’- EFL stance sparks outrage in West Brom points deduction saga

West Bromwich Albion have been plunged into what has been described as a “ridiculous” situation after being charged with a potential breach of the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules.

According to Stefan Borson, the club could now attempt to delay any ruling until next season as they battle to avoid relegation from the EFL Championship.

The issue first came to light on 13 April, when it was revealed that West Bromwich Albion had been charged over their 2024–25 financial submissions, leaving them at risk of a points deduction if found guilty.

The club, however, insist they have fully complied with regulations and are continuing to work with the EFL’s financial authorities to resolve the matter.

On the pitch, James Morrison’s side sit 20th in the table, just five points clear of the relegation zone with only three games remaining—meaning any sanction could have huge consequences.

The dispute is understood to centre around interest payments on loans taken out during Guochuan Lai’s ownership. New owners Bilkul, who took control in early 2024, reportedly paid around £5 million in interest during the latest accounting period. If those payments are included in P&S calculations, a breach is expected.

Speaking on the situation, Borson questioned the timing and handling of the case, arguing it should never have reached this stage so late in the season. He suggested the EFL may want a fast-tracked process to determine whether points should be deducted, but believes West Brom are unlikely to agree.

Instead, the club are expected to take the full time available to prepare their defence gathering evidence, submissions and legal representation which could significantly delay proceedings. Even after an initial hearing, there could be further delays if a rapid decision is contested.

As a result, Borson warned the case could drag into June before any final verdict is reached. That uncertainty could prove decisive in a tight relegation battle, where even a small points swing may determine survival.

He added that it remains unclear how the situation escalated so suddenly, particularly given the club only submitted their accounts at the end of March, leaving little time for clarity before the season’s conclusion.