‘Wheels in motion’ to punish rivals this summer, says Murphy
Barnsley looking for EFL to punish neighbours Sheffield Wednesday this season, if found guilty of breaking rules. Leon Wobschall reports.
BARNSLEY chief executive officer Dane Murphy is not giving up hope that cases involving several Championship clubs charged with breaking EFL sanctions will be dealt with this season – and that any penalties will apply in 2019-20.
The Reds are among several Championship clubs – including relegation rivals Luton – who believe that any rivals who are found guilty of breaking Profit and Sustainability rules should be punished for the offences this season and not in 2020-21.
Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County have existing charges hanging over them, while Birmingham City could be hit with a points deduction if they are found guilty of failing to adhere to an EFL business plan.
Chairman Paul Conway revealed last month that the Reds will consider legal action if they are relegated and clubs found guilty will be allowed to start next season on minus points.
The Owls were charged with breaching Profitability & Sustainability rules in November. Their case is set to be heard before an independent commission this summer.
They have denied financial misconduct but could face severe punishment if found guilty, with the possible sanctions including a heavy points deduction.
Barnsley remain resentful of the fact that they were relegated in 2017-18 and Bolton – despite running up a colossal amount of debt – survived on the final day.
On whether Murphy expects any punishment to be meted out by the EFL to Wednesday, Derby and Birmingham this season, he said: “There have been no assurances.
“Getting assurances from the EFL has proved to almost be impossible.
“That being said, there are wheels in motion and rumours of penalties being handed down relatively soon.
“Whether that happens or not, I am not sure. I do agree with Paul and believe our whole board and most of our supporters would, as we are still feeling the after-effects of going down when Bolton were charged and not analysed until later.
“If these teams that are charged in a certain season aren’t penalised in that season, then those who are following the rules aren’t benefiting from that.
“It is a huge flaw in the system. How can we manage this in a way where clubs who are abiding by the rules and trying to be responsible aren’t penalised because the process cannot be played out in an appropriate amount of time.”
In the here and now, Barnsley are dealing in tough financial times amid football’s Covid-19 crisis, with Murphy warning of difficult times ahead.
Murphy, keen for the EFL to give clarity on the start-date to next season, added: “It has severely impacted our financial outlook and forecasting. Through June, we are fine and viable and there are some clubs who cannot say that even in the Championship. In July, things get a little bit closer to the edge.
“But we are making sure those who can contribute to the club through season-ticket sales can do, so that there is no towing the edge of the cliff for the club in the short-term.”
The Reds CEO has confirmed that talks with the club’s playing squad to agree deferrals have not yet brought a successful outcome.
He added: “It is unfortunate we have not come to an agreement yet. Yes, it would have helped.
“(But) The ongoing negotiations with players has been very honest, open and professional and I don’t lay any blame at our players’ feet at all.”