Credit: Tung Manh Phan/ Breaking Media

Richie Mills

Wed 15 April 2026 12:30, UK

West Bromwich Albion have been told the timing of their alleged financial rules breach is their biggest concern, rather than the supposed offence itself.

West Brom were rocked by the news that they had fallen afoul of the English Football League’s Profit and Sustainability rules on Tuesday due to reportedly exceeding the £41.5million loss limit for the three seasons up until 2024-25.

If found guilty, James Morrison‘s team face a points deduction which could be applied this season, leading to a possible relegation from the Championship.

West Brom did not confirm the charge but did imply there was an issue, as they try to fight their case.

As West Brom wrestle with this bombshell, football finance expert Professor Rob Wilson has outlined what Baggies fans should be afraid of.

West Brom haven’t had ‘huge overspend’

Until last season, Championship sides were allowed to post losses of £39m over a three-year cycle. But that rose to £41.5m last term after clubs gave the amendment the green light.

According to West Brom’s figures, the Midlands outfit had an operating loss of £17m for 2024-25, down from £31m the previous year. That took them to a combined loss of £55.6m since July 2022.

That makes it seem as if West Brom have exceeded the threshold but clubs can deduct money for expenses such as infrastructure and the academy. Therefore, the true figure is not yet known.

Wilson told I News: “None of us know the actual figure. But in football finances terms, around £1m is relatively minor and not the huge overspend that would normally lead to severe punishments.

“The real concern is not the breach itself, but the timing.”

Earlier this season, Sheffield Wednesday were deducted 18 points for entering administration and other financial breaches.

And relegation rivals Leicester City were docked six points after breaching P&S regulations. West Brom will hope they can kick this possible points deduction down the road and into next season.

Where would a points deduction leave West Brom?

Morrison has done a good job at West Brom since taking over as caretaker manager in late February.

After a disappointing defeat to Oxford United, the Baggies have gone on a seven-match unbeaten run, including two wins and five draws.

With four games to go, West Brom sit one place and two points above the relegation zone. Therefore, a three-point deduction would see them fall behind Oxford and into 22nd.

There is a chance that this doesn’t get resolved until after the season ends, which could mean West Brom get relegated despite seemingly securing their survival on the last day.

These are nervy times for West Brom but all the players and manager can focus on is beating Preston North End on Saturday.