Possible Points Deduction - EFL Reviewing Finances

02 March 2023
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading could be set for another six points deduction with the Football League again reviewing Reading FC's finances for this season. It's tough to understand with Reading sticking to an incoming transfer ban enforced by the League while also being seemingly transparent with their finances. The impression is that the club have been working with the League to ensure they operate within the guidelines the League set, so it is confusing that the League are now suggesting they have failed to meet certain targets.

The League issued a short statement yesterday following wide reports of a possible points deduction being issued: "In November 2021, the EFL and Reading Football Club reached an Agreed Decision in respect of the Club's failure to comply with the League's Profit and Sustainability (P&S) Rules. As part of the decision, the Club is required to comply with the terms of a Business Plan up until the end of season 2022/23. The plan focuses on a number of financial targets with the objective of improving the Club's financial performance. The League is currently reviewing submissions from Reading to determine whether compliance has been achieved. There will be no further comment on the matter at this time."

The Royals were given a six points deduction in November 2021 after breaking financial rules, with further points deductions said to be suspended if Reading could keep to agreed expenditure. It is now being suggested that Reading have overspent again after continually posting financial losses.

Should Reading see six points removed this season it would see us drop to just six points and three places outside of the relegation zone, after Reading looked to be heading towards safety this season. Reading fans were all set for a season of mid-table nothingness but that could all change depending on the League's review.

Reading could be set for another six points deduction with the Football League again reviewing Reading FC's finances for this season. It's tough to understand with Reading sticking to an incoming transfer ban enforced by the League while also being seemingly transparent with their finances. The impression is that the club have been working with the League to ensure they operate within the guidelines the League set, so it is confusing that the League are now suggesting they have failed to meet certain targets.
<br/><br/>
The League issued a short statement yesterday following wide reports of a possible points deduction being issued: <em>"In November 2021, the EFL and Reading Football Club reached an Agreed Decision in respect of the Club's failure to comply with the League's Profit and Sustainability (P&S) Rules. As part of the decision, the Club is required to comply with the terms of a Business Plan up until the end of season 2022/23. The plan focuses on a number of financial targets with the objective of improving the Club's financial performance. The League is currently reviewing submissions from Reading to determine whether compliance has been achieved. There will be no further comment on the matter at this time."</em>
<br/><br/>
The Royals were given a six points deduction in November 2021 after breaking financial rules, with further points deductions said to be suspended if Reading could keep to agreed expenditure. It is now being suggested that Reading have overspent again after continually posting financial losses.
<br/><br/>
Should Reading see six points removed this season it would see us drop to just six points and three places outside of the relegation zone, after Reading looked to be heading towards safety this season. Reading fans were all set for a season of mid-table nothingness but that could all change depending on the League's review.

Discussion On This Story:

  Sir Dodger Royal

» 24 Jul 2004 09:26

According to Dodger's media chums Palace are about to offer £2million for Steve Sidwell.
Having missed out on Cahill and not getting much joy with the Hammers after bidding £2.5mill for Carrick they now consider Sidwell would jump at the chance of Premiership football. No doubt the Madman would be interested in getting some dosh back and Powell would join Reading as a make weight part of the deal.
It doesn't sound good for the Royals but negotiations are to start over the weekend.
Stay webwise with Dodger. The man is backkkkkkkkkkkkkk

  Badger Finger

» 24 Jul 2004 09:39



So the contract he signed two weeks ago doesn't do anything then?

  WestCoast Life

» 24 Jul 2004 09:39

Shouldn't this be in the 'Unfounded Rumours' section ?

  Sir Dodger Royal

» 24 Jul 2004 10:05

Contracts safeguard the player. They mean nothing for the Club but obviously help when agreeing transfer fees.
If a player wants to go then it happens plus for all we know he may have a clause in the contract regarding any enquiry from a Premiership club.
Real Facts. Real World. You know it makes senseeeeeeeeeeee

  yappy

» 24 Jul 2004 10:13

no chance of him leaving, especially to Palace

  Cemy Junction Expat

» 24 Jul 2004 10:15

You have to admit that events over the long term have given Dodgers' pronouncements a fair amount of credibility.
I for one will be paying more attention to the old goat's insights this season, irrepressible wind-up merchant he may be at times.
But on this one Dodge I'd add a third option: "Don't know until your alarming rumour is confirmed"
If it's true we'll know soon enough ....

  Colin Cheeselog

» 24 Jul 2004 11:13



That certainly is a shock revalation Roger me old pal, we know something is a possibility, what an eye opener.
How's Chris getting on these days Roger?

  Spike

» 24 Jul 2004 12:27

So Carrick doesn't get his move from West Ham to the premiership because West Ham refiuse the offer yet Dodger thinks Sidwell would jump at the chance despite having just committed his future to the club ?
Of course contracts mean players don't move at will, if JM says no way to this 'alleged' approach that is it.
SDR has not been right in thepast and little suggests he is close this time.
Coppell would rightly see it is a complete betrayal if his prize asset was let go just as he has his squad set.

  Forbury Lion

» 24 Jul 2004 12:46

If West Ham can stop Carrick leaving then then it may definatley be possible for Reading to stop Sidwell leaving.
Hope that's cleared things up.

  Roger Costello

» 24 Jul 2004 12:48

No one signs a new contract and then walks out on Reading, do they ??

  Just 2-0

» 24 Jul 2004 13:04

Could be a good move all round, if the deal is right and Coppell gets the money for players, we have a strong midfield, and to lose Sidwell would not be the end of the world.
As is always said, everyone has his price, and why would we want to stop a player movinfg to the Prem, there may even be a clause allowing him to talk to Prem clubs, so long as we get a certain fee.
I believe West Ham are the other Prem club interested.

  Woodcote Royal

» 24 Jul 2004 13:06

It will be no great surprise if Palace make an approach for Sidwell. It goes with the territory when building a side good enough to get to the Prem.
However, on this occasion I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. Even if RFC were tempted by the offer (and I don't think they will be at this time of the season) I think Sidwell would turn it down for the same reason that, I imagine, made Cahill plump for Everton.
I have to say that I wish Palace well in their quest to avoid relegation. I mean no disrespect by saying that because we will have the same up hill struggle WHEN :wink: our chance arrives.
Sidders always comes across as a smart guy, and I think the time to worry is when a well established Premiership side comes in with a solid offer.
In the meantime, I believe we can take his signing of a 3 year contract to mean that, he intends to remain here for this season at least. I can't see him being tempted by one season's Prem footy at Palace when he has a good chance of the same with us and/or a move to a much bigger club at the end of the season.

  Legend

» 24 Jul 2004 13:10



Your best mate.

  M Brook

» 24 Jul 2004 13:20


Sidders always comes across as a smart guy, and I think the time to worry is when a well established Premiership side comes in with a solid offer.
Spot on - Sidwell's not gonna be tempted by the prospect of one soul-destroying season at the bottom of the Prem getting whipped every week. No disrespect, but any realistic Eagles fan knows in his heart of hearts that Palace will be the weakest team to have played in the top flight for many years - probably since Swindle Down.

  Royal Rother

» 24 Jul 2004 13:26

Don't bank on it. They have a fantastic manager.

  fruits

» 24 Jul 2004 14:14



I am not sure about the fantastic manager, he did all right at Oldham, did really well at Palace, but how will he be if they lose 5-6 consecutive matches which they will. Plenty of "fantastic" managers have been found out in the Premiership.

  Candu

» 24 Jul 2004 14:49

I'd have been disappointed if they didn't inquire. I have admiration for how Palace are handling this promotion. Expect more of this as Sidwell's reputation is growing. Personally I think pardew is playing up for the fans and Palace will sweeten the deal for Carrick to 3M and he will be off. He is on high wages and money is tight in Hammerland.
Let's be honest, Carrick is a lightweight but creative luxury. Sidwell is the kind of player Palace need if they are going to battle.

  Sunny D

» 25 Jul 2004 11:32

Just to get back to the topic in hand of Sidwell. was he not born and bred in Croyden, and a Palace fan as a kid ??
I might be wrong, but I seem to remember that from one of his matchday program interviews. I dont think he will go, and I know we have seen similar types of rumours with Shorey and West Ham, but it does make you wonder whether he would think about it if SC told him about the enquiry.

  Legend

» 25 Jul 2004 12:55


Indeed you are correct.

  Sir Dodger Royal

» 25 Jul 2004 15:56

From what I hear the enquiry was testing Reading's resolve in keeping Sidwell.
At this stage the Royals have not said *** off we are not interested.
Watch this space. Real Facts from the Main Mannnnnnnnn

  Spike

» 25 Jul 2004 16:57

I'd say it's clear that RFC aren't bothered about keeping Sidwell, nor is he that keen to stay.
That 3 year deal was just a front to hide the truth...
Lucky we have SDR to keep us PROPERLY informed !!

  Billy Whitehurst's lob

» 26 Jul 2004 09:48

This is probably just the usual attention seeking crap from Dodger and I can't say I believe Sidwell's about to go anywhere (that said I didn't believe Pardew would join West Ham either).
If Sidwell were to go the timing would be awful with the season 2 weeks away. However, if we were to lose him for £2Mil + I think it could actually boost our chances of going up, provided that the fee was added to Coppell's transfer budget and spent wisely. £2 Mil would buy 2 or 3 very good players for this league.

  'lista

» 26 Jul 2004 09:53

I would prefer to keep Sidwell, but if he went at the right price it wouldn't be a disaster. Can't see him wanting to sign for Palace, but you never know. As Billy said, I didn't think Pardew would go to West Ham........

  higher

» 26 Jul 2004 09:54

Stick a zero on the end and Abramovich can have him :)

  Bournemouth Royal

» 26 Jul 2004 09:58

I am just as concerned that Pompey are now short in central midfield with Faye not being transferred because of a knee problem,The Russian having gone back to Chelsea and Hammond being at the Wycombe v Pompey friendly.

  Anonymous

» 26 Jul 2004 18:13

Steve Sidwell isn't going anywhere.
He is an honest lad and would never commit himself to the new 3 year deal if he actually wanted out!

  Spike

» 26 Jul 2004 20:09

There may have been no 'out' on offer when he signed.

A properly dealt with deal would not be dishonest. it would be very disappointing though.

The source of this is what makes it so unlikely though !

Interesting that non of SDR's Media chums have thought it a strong enough story to print. Coul dit be the nearest they get to the 'Media' is A level Media studies at Basingtsoke Tech ?

  Kitson#12

» 26 Jul 2004 20:36

No matter how insightfulful Dodger might be, i dont see any chance of Sidwell leaving just weeks after signing a contract and verbally saying to the fans that he wants to play in the premiership but with Reading

  Alan Titchmarsh

» 27 Jul 2004 07:22

Go Away Dodger

  Gordons Cumming

» 27 Jul 2004 14:25



Exactly
Dodger? Do you get off on spreading these rumours or something?

Some sort of "Transfer Rumour Fetish"? :shock:
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