West Brom have found themselves in a “ridiculous” scenario after being charged with potential profit and sustainability (P&S) violations.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Championship club will want to put any decision into next season due to relegation fears.

West Brom were charged on April 13 with an alleged infraction of the EFL’s financial rules for 2024-25, which might result in a points deduction if proved guilty.

However, the Baggies said they had “fully complied” with the P&S requirements and would continue to work with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit to fix the issue.

James Morrison’s squad is now 20th in the Championship table, five points above the relegation zone going into the final three games of the season.

How West Brom can delay a potential points deduction hearing

According to Sky Sports on April 15, West Brom’s argument with the EFL is over interest payments on loans carried out by former owner Guochuan Lai.

Bilkul, which acquired the Baggies in February 2024, paid around £5 million in interest on those loans during the most recent accounting period, with a financial rule breach predicted if those payments are included in their P&S calculations.

Borson spoke exclusively to Football Insider on the EFL’s handling of the West Brom situation.

“It’s just ridiculous,” Borson added.

“You already know the issue with Leicester. I just don’t understand how things got to this point, and why they only now have access to this information. I’m sure the EFL is thinking, ‘Well, let’s speed the process so we can find out whether you’re going to be deducted points.

“Why would West Brom allow that? They do not have to. I’m sure they’ll say, ‘No, we required the appropriate time to prepare for the case to get submissions in, witness testimonies, and availability of the right K.C.’, so they’ll try to slow it down.

“That’s only for the initial hearing. You then request that the panel make a speedy ruling and impose a quick penalty, which they can do. However, West Brom may be justified to argue, ‘Well, there’s no reason why we should be expecting them to speed everything beyond their normal stance’.”

Why could West Brom be waiting until June for the points deduction verdict?

Borson stated that it could be some weeks before a decision is reached regarding West Brom’s status.

“Clearly, West Brom want to push this out to next season, depending on what happens in the next few days on the pitch, but it just shouldn’t be in the mix,” Borson added.

“The way they’re talking right now is that we may get to early June and the situation remains unknown.

“There won’t be many points in the relegation race. It’s possible that two or three points make the difference between staying up and going down. It is a major issue for them.

“I just don’t know how they’ve ended up in this situation where it’s just been sprung on them with the accounts being put in on 31 March.”