Are the English Football League's charges against West Bromwich Albion for financial breaches unfair?
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has been digging deeper into the Baggies' finances to see just how deep the problems run and while he agrees the club appeared to have broken the rules, the timing of the charges contribute to a bigger issue.
"I did my calculations, and I don't have intricate data, and I got the impression Albion were perhaps no more than £1m over the limit," Maguire told BBC Radio WM.
"Albion have been working hand-in-hand with the EFL, they've had to comply with a business plan so that might be seen as co-operating, but strictly if you are over the limit, then there has to be [referral to a] commission.
"But there's a separate issue in that we are almost at the end of the season and it's not fair on Albion, and it's not fair on the other clubs that are in the relegation dog fight as well.
"A: whether there is going to be a charge. B: whether they are innocent or guilty. C: whether the tariffs are going to be applied before the end of the season.
"I think a lot of these unknowns are creating a lot of stress and distress for clubs and fans and owners and everyone connected."
Many fans have been surprised by the charges because of the club's repeated messaging about the requirement to adhere to profit and sustainability rules after Bilkul Football Group took ownership in February 2024, inheriting the club's previous debts.
But there have been some suggestions that their new situation is all one big mistake.
"I've heard on the grapevine – and this was nothing to do with the club – they think that somebody, somewhere may have made an error in adding up or subtracting some numbers," Maguire added.
"I think it's more of a mess up than a conspiracy. I don't think there's been some kind of grand plan by West Bromwich Albion to overspend."
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