How many points could West Brom be docked: Everything we know so far about alleged PSR breach

West Brom fans were left stunned on Monday as reports emerged that the club may be facing a points deduction over financial issues.

It was claimed Albion were the latest club to be in breach of PSR regulations - which could potentially mean a points deduction.

Albion believe they have ‘fully complied’ with profit and sustainability regulations following an alleged breaching charge from the EFL.

A club statement said the club will continue to work with league finance chiefs to “resolving this matter”.

It read: “West Bromwich Albion acknowledges media reports relating to the club’s compliance with the EFL’s Profitability & Sustainability (P&S) rules.

“The club considers that it has fully complied with the P&S rules. The Club will continue to co-operate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit and looks forward to resolving this matter.”

The club insists a fully focus remains on the “absolute priority” of success for James Morrison’s side in the final four games of the season resulting in finishing above the bottom three places.

“Albion understands the concerns of supporters and thanks fans for their unwavering support of the team, whose success on the pitch during the final four games of the season remains our absolute priority,” it continued.

Now it has seen supporters of not just Albion but other relegation threatened clubs begin to speculate over what may happen.

It is unclear what part of the process Albion are in, when it will be resolved, or what sanctions could come to them.

But here is what we know about the process when PSR breaches are alleged and when sanctions are applied:

The PSR rules state clubs have until December 31 to submit annual accounts for the 24/25 season. They are then assessed for compliance.

If there is a breach a compliance report will then be issued to the club. Following that, they then have a 14 day period to respond, and a hearing must be held within 28 days of the report being issued.

That means that any hearing could take place after the final day of the season.

The initial reports of Albion’s alleged breach have stated it is minimal, so how would a points deduction work?

A breach of up to £2m amounts to a three point penalty, according to the PSR rules. If the breach reaches £4m, then it is a four point deduction.

However, the EFL can apply mitigation if a club’s losses have reduced season on season. That would apply in Albion’s case, with Shilen Patel and Bilkul Football working to reduce the mess created by the previous ownership.

The mitigation would apply to Albion and could see them given one point back, if a points penalty was put in place.

What next?

Well, Albion’s first priority is to garner as many points as possible in their remaining four games.

That would give them as much of a cushion as possible should a point deduction be coming their way.

With Albion’s insistence that they are within the rules, any deduction appears highly likely to be challenged by the club, with an appeal to the EFL first, possibly followed by court action if need be.

However, assuring their safety on the pitch would save a whole load of potential problems.