Reading face new points deduction after failing to pay players’ wages three times

Reading face another damaging points deduction after failing to pay players’ wages on time on three occasions last season. The English Football League has charged the club, relegated to League One last month, with multiple breaches of its regulations.

Reading failed to pay their players on time and in full in October, November and April. The EFL said Reading’s owner since May 2017, Dai Yongge, had also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations, despite his commitment to fund the cash requirements of the club”.

Reading were docked six points in April for failing to adhere to the terms of an agreed business plan after a previous profit and sustainability rule breach. They were given a six-point deduction in 2021 for exceeding the permitted £39m financial loss limit across a three-year cycle.

If Reading accept the charges or are found guilty by an independent disciplinary panel they can expect to be docked points. Wigan Athletic will start the League One season on minus-four points after failing to pay their players on time for five months of last season. A further four-point deduction has been suspended until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Reading have until 29 June to respond to the charges. A panel would determine any sanction, which could be applied by the time they begin their first season in the third tier since 2002.

Reading were relegated six years on from losing the Championship playoff final and have no manager. Last week the club announced its women’s team, relegated from the Women’s Super League, would revert to operating on a part-time basis as they seek to cut costs.

“Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to