West Bromwich Albion have been handed a two-point deduction by the English Football League (EFL) for violating profit and sustainability (P&S) rules, reigniting their relegation fears in the Championship.
The penalty, announced on Friday, drops the Baggies to 20th place in the table, six points above the relegation zone with two matches left. Though they appeared safe after a midweek victory over Watford, the deduction means they still need at least one more point to guarantee survival.
An independent panel found that West Brom exceeded the permitted £39 million loss limit over the three seasons leading up to 2024-25. The club had denied the allegations, insisting they had fully complied with the rules.
In a statement, the club expressed dismay at the ruling, noting that the breach was less than £2 million—"the smallest ever" of its kind in the Championship or Premier League. They also criticized the EFL's handling, claiming a "retrospective adjustment" to how community development costs were calculated unfairly pushed them over the threshold.
West Brom have two weeks to appeal the decision, which could prolong uncertainty until after the season ends. If they appeal, a resolution may take up to 28 days.
Manager James Morrison and his squad will now face promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at home on Saturday, followed by a final-day trip to already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday. The club's focus remains on securing safety on the pitch, with the atmosphere expected to be charged given the timing of the penalty.
The Baggies join Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City as Championship clubs hit with points deductions this season, though both of those teams ultimately faced relegation.