Reading Football Club is facing another potential points deduction after being hit with fresh charges by the English Football League (EFL). The Royals were docked six points in April for failing to comply with budget restrictions, which led to their relegation last season. The club is preparing for life in League One next season, but the new charges could leave them at a huge disadvantage. The governing body has charged Reading with multiple breaches of its regulations, relating to the club’s failure to pay its players’ wages on three occasions last season. The club’s owner, Yongge Dai, has also been charged for causing the club to be in breach of EFL Regulations. Both Reading and Dai have until June 29 to respond to the charges.
The Royals have been struggling to appoint a new manager after axing Paul Ince and their wait looks set to continue. The club had been in talks with Chris Wilder, who had a short stint at Watford towards the end of last season, but both parties decided to delay talks. Reports are now claiming that each respective side has opted to end the negotiations. Reading will discover who they will face in the League One campaign next Thursday when the EFL releases its fixture list.
The charges against Reading follow the High Court ruling in April this year, which found that the club was £26m in debt. With the Royals already struggling with their finances, a potential points deduction could further cripple them and impede their chances of promotion. Yongge Dai had pledged to fund the club’s cash requirements, but the failure to pay the players’ wages on time and in full could result in a backlash from fans. Reading will need to respond to the new charges soon if they want to avoid further punishment by the EFL, which could further undermine their already precarious position.
