West Brom say they have not broken EFL financial rules as points deduction fears grow

West Bromwich Albion insist they have complied with the EFL’s financial rules despite fears of a points deduction for the relegation-threatened Championship side.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) filed a compliance report to West Brom over a breach of the loss limits for the 2024-25 season under profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). Under guidelines, sanctions would be applied in the season after breach. That would mean if a points penalty were imposed, it would affect West Brom in the current campaign, with the club 20th in the Championship, two points above the relegation zone.

“West Bromwich Albion acknowledges media reports relating to the club’s compliance with the EFL’s profitability + sustainability rules,” they said. “The club considers that it has fully complied with the rules. The club will continue to cooperate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit and looks forward to resolving this matter.

“Albion understands the concerns of supporters and thanks fans for their unwavering support of the team, whose success on the pitch during the final four games of the season remains our absolute priority. It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further at this stage.”

Under PSR rules, Championship clubs must keep losses under £39m in the three-year assessment period. Some losses are ‘added back’ in the PSR calculation, such as spending on infrastructure, youth and women’s football. As a club that competed in the Championship last season, West Brom were required to submit their annual accounts for 2024-25 by 31 December. Accounts of all clubs are assessed for compliance.

Decisions taken over sanctions by the Club Financial Reporting Panel (CFRP) are usually published. Before that, discussions between a club and the EFL remain strictly confidential.

The EFL declined to comment.