West Bromwich Albion have been plunged back into the Championship relegation battle after receiving a two-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability regulations. The club received notification of the sanction following a two-day hearing that concluded late on Friday afternoon.
The independent commission upheld the EFL charge, and the penalty was imposed despite the club strongly disagreeing with the outcome. The loss of two points could have serious ramifications for James Morrison's side, reopening the door to relegation from the second tier.
Albion had seemingly secured their safety with a magnificent run of nine games unbeaten, including a 3-0 home win over Watford on Tuesday night, which left them eight points clear of the drop zone with two matches remaining. However, the outcome of the hearing, which had been hanging over the club, confirmed fears on Friday afternoon.
The breach of less than £2 million is believed to stem from a change in PSR regulations this year regarding spending to support the community. Albion's owners, Bilkul Football WBA, fronted by chairman Shilen Patel, have financially supported The Albion Foundation since their takeover two years ago.
With two league fixtures left, the Baggies still have work to do. The simple maths now require Morrison's men to secure at least one point from their final two games to guarantee safety.
Albion host second-placed Ipswich Town on Saturday lunchtime, a team battling fiercely for automatic promotion. Oxford United, currently occupying the final relegation place, have been handed a faint lifeline by the deduction. On 44 points, six behind Albion, Oxford can now close the gap. They host relegated bottom side Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, knowing Albion's result before their match.
If Albion lose to Ipswich and Oxford win, the survival race will go to the final day on May 2, with the gap reduced to three points. The Baggies travel to Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough on the final day, needing a point to stay up. In a worst-case scenario, goal difference could come into play; Albion's is currently -9, six better than Oxford's -15, but two defeats for Albion and two wins for Oxford would naturally swing the difference.
Boss Morrison, speaking in his press conference before the sanction was announced, stated his determination to finish the season in style and render any potential punishment irrelevant.
