MX23RW : Monday, April 15 11:19:18| >> :600:325893:325893:

Blackpool escape points deduction from EFL

Blackpool escape points deduction from EFL
© Reuters
English Football League decides not to impose points deduction on Blackpool

Blackpool will not lose any points following February's appointment of joint receivers, the English Football League has said.

Under EFL rules, clubs that experience an "insolvency event", such as being placed in administration, are usually subject to a 12-point deduction, as they are seen to have gained an unfair advantage by shedding debts other better-run clubs have met.

The appointment of receivers by a judge – in this case to force through the League One club's sale to settle ex-owner Owen Oyston's £25million debt to former business partner Valeri Belokon – could have been viewed in this light.

But the EFL board has decided this is a special case, unrelated to the club's actual financial position, and the points penalty was therefore "not applicable".

In a statement, the EFL said: "Based on the evidence presented and the judgement of the court, the board agreed that the appointment of the receiver is not material to the club's ability to fulfil its obligations as a member club and as a result should not be regarded as having suffered an insolvency event."

The news was quickly welcomed by the Bloomfield Road club, with joint receiver Paul Cooper describing it as "excellent news".

Cooper said he was also "delighted" for manager Terry McPhillips and the players "as they know exactly where they stand for the remainder of this campaign and next season", a reference to the fact that the deduction could have been imposed immediately or at the start of the next campaign.

"It also allows the sale process to continue with a greater degree of clarity and certainty," he added.

Blackpool are currently eighth in League One, eight points off the last play-off spot, with five games to play.

In other business, the EFL board confirmed that Birmingham's nine-point penalty for breaching the league's profitability and sustainability rules will stand as neither the club nor the league has decided to appeal the independent disciplinary commission's decision.

It also said it still had not received a "definitive application" from Coventry as to where they will play their games next season. An extraordinary general meeting of clubs has been called to consider their expulsion from the league on April 25 if the matter is not resolved.

The board also said it is "extremely concerned" about the financial crisis at League Two's Bury, who were given a month to settle an unpaid tax bill of more than £200,000 by the high court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey has offered to meet the Bolton Wanderers Supporters' Trust ahead of a planned open meeting on April 15 to discuss the next steps at that crisis-hit club.


Click here for more stories about Owen Oyston

Click here for more stories about Birmingham City

Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Bury seal loan deal for Blackburn defender Scott Wharton
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool34267177205785
2Manchester CityMan City33272486226483
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs332211064343067
4Chelsea34206857362166
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd33197763441964
6Arsenal32196765402563
7Leicester CityLeicester34145154645147
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33138124142-147
9Everton34137144644246
10Watford32137124747046
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham34126164252-1042
12Bournemouth34125174961-1241
13Crystal Palace34116174046-639
14Burnley34116174260-1839
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle34108163243-1138
16Southampton3399153954-1536
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3296173251-1933
18Cardiff CityCardiff3384212863-3528
RFulham3455243276-4420
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3435261967-4814

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account