EFL Statement: Ongoing Disciplinary Proceedings

The League continues to receive questions on a regular basis in respect of updates to ongoing proceedings involving the EFL and its member Clubs.

We recognise the desire amongst stakeholders, not least from our own members, but also their respective supporters and representatives of the media, for clarity on the current position.

At the point a Club is charged with misconduct, it is referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission and from that point onwards, the format and timing of the proceedings are controlled by that of the Independent Commission. Our stated position and the policy agreed with our Clubs is that we do not pass any comment on these individual matters, other than to confirm the charges at the outset and the subsequent outcomes.

The EFL is committed to announcing any final outcome promptly following notification of the decision by the relevant Independent Disciplinary Commission, giving consideration to the issues raised above and in accordance with its regulations.

Independent Disciplinary Commissions are well aware of the challenges for any Club that is subject to proceedings, and the need for clarity for financial and operational planning purposes, particularly ahead of the summer transfer window opening later this month. In addition, there is also the consequential impact to consider on how any decisions may affect other Clubs within a division who require the same courtesy to plan with as much certainty as is practically possible.

Equally, there are the operational pressures this presents the EFL, in areas such as fixture scheduling in the event any decision(s) change a divisional line-up. In the specific case of Wednesday evening’s final round of Championship matches for season 2019/20, and any potential impact on divisional standings, relegation will be confirmed for the Clubs in 22nd, 23rd and 24th positions in the Championship table following the conclusion of those matches and will be subject to the resolution of any ongoing proceedings. In the case of Wigan Athletic the 12-point sporting sanction, as a result of the Club entering administration, will apply immediately following the end of the game against Fulham but is subject to appeal.

Nevertheless, the primary objective of any Independent Disciplinary Commission is to deal with cases expeditiously and fairly.

We will be providing no further comment on any ongoing proceedings at this time.