Reading FC has been hit by yet another points deduction for off-field issues. The independent commission has deducted three points from the Royals’ League One tally after the club failed to deposit the required money into a designated account, in line with the agreed business plan.
Reading has previously had a point deducted after owner Dai Yongge failed to pay players in the 2022-23 season. The latest deduction has put Ruben Selles’ side on two points going into this weekend’s fixtures, dropping them one spot from 20th position to 21st in the League One table.
Unlike the first deduction, Yongge was required to submit money into a separate account to prove that he has the funds necessary to pay the team and staff.
Although Reading’s new head coach, Selles, has been trying to recruit good players in recent months, the off-field issues could severely impact the club’s future. Yongge has supposedly been working to secure external funding and investors for the club to move up to the next level, but efforts have not yet been successful.
The EFL has acknowledged the negative impact sporting sanctions are having on the Football Club and remain extremely disappointed and frustrated at the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations under EFL Regulations. The League will continue to apply its rules in all circumstances deemed appropriate.
