Reading 'face six-point deduction' leaving Paul Ince's side in relegation battle

Reading are looking at a six-point deduction after failing to comply with financial guidelines implemented by the EFL - which will see the Royals descend into a relegation battle

Justin Lawrence

15:59, 01 Mar 2023

Paul Ince's Reading side are facing a six-point deduction(Image: Getty Images)

Reading are reportedly facing a six-point deduction which will see Paul Ince's side plummet into a relegation battle.

The Royals were disciplined for exceeding the £39million threshold on losses in 2021, which was set for Championship clubs who have to stay below the figure across a three-year period. They were subsequently handed a six-deduction last season for breaching the rules, and a pending six points were delayed until the end of this term.

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However, the suspended six points are on the verge of being enforced by the EFL as the Royals have allegedly not reduced their spending to align with the business plan put in place by the division's bosses, the Daily Mail reported.

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Ince's side and the EFL drew up an agreement based on revenue and expenditure that the Royals haven't stuck to, it was added. However, there's still hope for Reading as the EFL haven't begun a disciplinary hearing into the alleged offence yet, and they also declined to comment on the issue, the report continued.

But if the deduction is deployed, it will see Reading tumble from 14th in the league to just above the relation zone. They currently have 44 points, which will whittle to 38, placing them on level points with Birmingham who sit in 19th spot.

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If the EFL implement the punishment - Reading will fall into a relegation battle(Image: Getty Images)

Paul Ince's side could be in danger of relegation now(Image: Getty Images)

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The looming points ban is reminiscent of the deduction handed to Serie A giants Juventus in January for alleged economic misgivings. The Old Lady were docked 15 points in a move that saw them plunge from third in the table to 10th.

Reading's boss Ince won't be happy with the news of the incoming points deduction. The ex-England midfielder, who was given the job in May 2022, recently showed his passion when he blasted former club Man United for showing a lack of respect after the Royals were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Premier League giants.

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