In the course of this year, a notable trend has emerged in the English Football League (EFL) involving former Premier League clubs facing points deductions. The most recent club to fall victim to this punitive measure is Reading, currently competing in League One. Their recent deduction of three points stemmed from the failure of their owner, Dai Yongge, to provide adequate funding in an account designated to cover the monthly payroll.
The EFL, as reported by the BBC, had instructed Dai Yongge to deposit 125% of the wage bill into this specified account by a certain deadline, which unfortunately went unmet. Consequently, a suspended point deduction has been implemented immediately. This unfortunate incident marks the third time this year that Reading has been penalized, with previous deductions having a significant impact on their campaign.
Earlier in the year, Reading incurred a one-point loss due to delayed payroll payments in August. This was a clear indication of financial instability within the club. However, the situation became even direr when they lost six points in April for violating profit and sustainability rules. These infractions ultimately contributed to their relegation from the Championship to League One, a steep fall from grace for a club that had graced the Premier League stage just a decade ago.
The EFL’s stance on this matter is clear – they will continue to penalize Reading as long as the club continues to breach financial regulations. It’s worth noting that Dai Yongge, a Chinese entrepreneur, has expressed his commitment to the Royals and is actively seeking new investors to bolster the club’s financial stability. However, until such investments materialize and financial concerns are addressed comprehensively, the threat of further point deductions looms over Reading.
For a club like Reading, which enjoyed a relatively brief but memorable stint in the Premier League not too long ago, these repeated point deductions are cause for grave concern. Such deductions can have a cascading effect on the team’s season, affecting their league standing, morale, and even their ability to attract and retain top talent.