West Brom charge: What is the latest and when will EFL provide fans with reason for two point deduction

West Brom fans are still waiting and demanding answers over last month’s controversial two point deduction for financial issues.

Amid Albion confirming their Championship safety twice in a week, it was confirmed the club had been charged with allegedly breaching financial rules.

That threw their Championship status back into question. They beat Watford to mathematically survive, before a two point penalty meant they needed another point to stay up.

They said in a statement they would ‘settle the matter on the pitch’, and they did with a draw over Ipswich.

But their statement claimed the reason for the breach was ‘community development expenditure’. They explained it was money that went to the club’s charity partner, the Albion Foundation.

They claim that without the EFL changing the rules around donations, they would not have been in breach.

The matter in terms of Albion’s status in the league has been confirmed with the campaign now over.

But for fans the matter is far from finished. They were furious that Albion were hit with a sanction due to what the club have said were charitable donations.

And the anger from Albion fans has not let up. Fans are still demanding answers from the EFL, and some have questioned whether they should still appeal.

Here is what has been said so far:

The original EFL statement confirming the alleged breach said: “Following a hearing on 22 and 23 April and having considered the Compliance Report in full alongside the Club’s responses, the CFRP determined that the Club’s losses did exceed the Upper Loss Threshold and imposed a two-point deduction, effective immediately.

The sporting sanction has been applied to the Championship table for the 2025/26 season.

“The Club may appeal the decision within 14 days of receipt of the full written reasons, as set out in Appendix 6 of the Regulations. If an appeal is lodged, the rules provide that it shall be heard within 28 days of submission.

“The full written reasons will be published in due course.”

Below is what Albion said in response:

Albion fan groups have also been pushing for answers, with the Albion Independent Supporters Trust contacting the EFL late last month.

This was that they had in response: “As you will be aware, on 24 April the EFL issued a statement confirming the Independent Club Financial Review Panel’s (CRFP) determination that the club’s losses exceeded the Upper Loss Threshold and that a two point deduction would be applied to the Championship table for the 2025/26 season.

“Following a hearing on 22 and 23 April, and having considered the compliance repor submitted by the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit together with the club’s responses, the CFRP reached its decision in accordance with regulations.

“I understand there are question about how the decision was reached and the factors considered. The EFL will be able to provide further clarity once the CRFP’s full written reasons are published in full.”

As it stands, the EFL have not confirmed when an answer will be supplied, and it is unclear whether the club have or will appeal.

‘Fans deserve transparency - other clubs will be watching on’ - Jonny Drury

It may be all settled in terms of where Albion will play next year - but the issue is far from over from Albion fans, and I am sure for the club’s owners.

These written reasons need to come sooner rather than later. In terms of an appeal, my guess is we would have heard by now if an appeal would take place, given they have 14 days to submit one.

The only reason to appeal now is almost from a moral point of view, given Albion’s claim it was money given to charity.

There is no benefit of going to an appeal points wise - but currently we don’t know what the club will do. They may push for an appeal.

They are like the fans, waiting for these written reasons. But almost three weeks on nothing has arrived, and it isn’t really acceptable.

Whether the EFL are more occupied with the Spygate scandal, I don’t know. But it isn’t just the fans and Albion who are keeping an eye on these reasons, it is other EFL clubs.

Because if Albion have fallen foul of the rules around foundation donations, other clubs will be wary moving forward.