EFL backs tougher rules on Chinese owners as West Brom lawsuit comes to light
Former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen boss Keith Wyness has called for tougher rules on Chinese owners, after West Bromwich Albion were handed two points for breaching EFL financial rules.
West Brom are determined to stay in the Championship after a 10-game unbeaten run
Fortunately for West Brom, the points deduction will have no impact on the relegation battle, as they are safe with a game in hand, as they drew 0-0 against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at the weekend.
The Baggies extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in the Championship as they succeeded under interim manager James Morrison, although the 41-year-old insisted he was still focused on the final game, rather than speculation about securing a permanent job.
Morrison says: “My focus is the end of the season. Actually, there will be a lot of discussions. I will give my thoughts and I am sure that the club will have their opinions.”
James Morrison has forever reviewed the West Brom boss as an “incredible” manager who is committed to the role
The Baggies look set to hang on without a dramatic points haul.
As reported by Football Insider, West Brom denied any financial impropriety, and the breach was related to a loan taken by former owner Lai Guochuan, before Shilen Patel acquired 87.8% of the shares in 2024.
Although the points deduction did not stop the Baggies, Wyness suggested that the EFL should be more strict about allowing Chinese owners to take over clubs, revealing that he even went so far as to consider the charges against him during his professional career.
“The point of all this is, if you deal with China in any way, you have to be strapped and strapped, and ask for a lot up front. I think that might be considered a certain obligation placed on the Chinese owners given previous experience. I don’t think that’s discrimination. I think it’s based on previous experience. Unless they can give a guarantee of a match.
“I’m going that far because I think it’s been proven now in 10 or 12 cases. So when that starts to happen more often, I’m afraid you have to look at the facts and look for bigger confirmations than just a quick check.”
“The EFL has to dig deep and do a better job. They were lucky I didn’t sue them when I was at Aston Villa, because I actually rely on the fact that the leagues are doing well with some owners coming in, and I couldn’t rely on that and the Villa fans.”
Jobi McAnuff and Curtis Davies have recently reacted to the EFL’s decision as well, with the latter suggesting that punishment is “the best case scenario”, all things considered.
Having avoided relegation, there is plenty to be excited about at the Hawthorns next season, after a turbulent campaign, and Morrison looks the obvious choice to take the Baggies forward, having gone on an impressive unbeaten run since being appointed in February.
