West Brom face farcical situation as relegation now possible after final ball is kicked
West Bromwich Albion face the prospect of being relegated from the Championship after the season is concluded, even if they stay out of the bottom three.
The Baggies' status in the second tier has been plunged into fresh jeopardy over the past 36 hours amid reports they fell short of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in 2024-25.
If that is the case, Albion face a financial fine and/or a points deduction, one in which could plunge them below the dotted line.
It comes after some solid work from interim boss James Morrison to slowly guide the Baggies clear of the bottom three.
All that hard work could be undone amid a new update on Tuesday evening, though, with West Brom's finances once again very much in the spotlight.
What is the latest update on possible West Brom points deduction?
The Telegraph's John Percy was first to report on Monday that West Brom face the prospect of a points deduction.
That news seemingly came out of nowhere, with supporters believing financial issues were a thing of the past under the Shilen Patel regime.
| Amount over loss limits | Points deduction |
| £2million | Three point deduction |
| £4million | Four point deduction |
However, the 2024-25 accounts could come back to bite Albion in what is described in an increasingly complicated situation in an update via The Guardian on Tuesday evening.
Respected journalist Matt Hughes reports that West Brom could be hit with a points deduction that potentially relegates them from the Championship even after the season has ended.
The EFL is running out of time to hear the charges against West Brom, who have publicly insisted they have stuck to the rules.
The regular season is due to end on 2 May, at which point the standings in the table will be known.
However, the report suggests that any forthcoming points deduction will count for this season, meaning Albion could drop below the dotted line even when players are away on holiday.
It makes for a farcical situation, assuming there is nothing official beforehand, in which fans will not be able to celebrate staying up until events off the field are dealt with - whenever that may be.
James Morrison's gameplan has surely just changed
Morrison has made West Brom incredibly hard to beat since taking charge. While there has been a lack of wins, the Baggies have tip-toed slowly to safety.
Portsmouth's win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening was far from ideal, but Albion are still two points above the drop zone.
All of a sudden, though, picking up steady points may not be enough. If a four-point deduction is forthcoming, that would surely send Albion down.
The brutal truth is that Morrison now needs to set out his side to pick up wins.
Unless there is a five-point margin on the bottom three come May 2, however, fans will not be able to rest easily until this case is decided on for good.