Barnsley in EFL protest over ‘appalling’ governance as Sheffield Wednesday left waiting

The Reds are unhappy they could be relegated if the season is abandoned despite three clubs – including Sheffield Wednesday – facing disciplinary proceedings which could change the standings if heard in time.

The Football League (EFL) hope to complete the Championship season but have set out what they think should happen if this is impossible. It proposes relegation and promotion, decided on a points-per-game table which would keep Barnsley bottom.

They have already threatened legal action, and a letter from the board drew comparisons with how other competitions are run.

“Rule adherence and proper governance of violations is appallingly worse here in England than counterparts in France, Belgium and Switzerland,” they wrote to the League. “A key element of La Liga’s large revenue growth in the last five years is its strict observance of relegation when rules are broken (including unpaid player wages, transfer fees, filing of timely financial statements, and unbalanced or unfunded budgets). How can anyone use the phrase ‘sporting integrity’ or the word ‘fair’ in any relegation scenario if the games aren’t played?”

Wednesday and Derby are contesting misconduct charges after selling stadia to their owners.

An independent commission found Birmingham City not guilty of a financial breach in March. The League plan to appeal.

Possible penalties include points deductions.

Barnsley claimed relegation in 2017-18 cost at least £6m, and estimate it would be more costly now.

“This will not be passively accepted,” they reiterated. “Two to three clubs pending punishments from EFL charges could change the Championship table.”

It would require an 18-point deduction for the Rams, plus 15 points for the Owls and 14 for Birmingham to keep Barnsley up without any more football played.

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