The EFL have confirmed that League One outfit Reading have been referred to an Independent disciplinary commission following their failed HMRC payments.
It was reported yesterday that the Royals had been issued a winding up order over their unpaid tax bills, the latest in a long line of sanctions which has included transfer bans and several point deductions. It’s yet another blow to Reading’s long-suffering fans, who continue to protest in regards to Dai Yongge’s ownership.
The Berkshire-based club are staring down the barrel of back-to-back relegations after dropping to League One last season. They currently sit bottom of the pile in the third tier, having suffered their fifth successive league defeat on Saturday.
Addressing the situation this evening, the EFL released the following statement:
“Reading Football Club has been referred to an Independent disciplinary commission (IDC) for continued non-payment of monies owed to HMRC.
“The Club has defaulted in relation to the amount owed to HMRC for September and October 2023 and as a result is currently under a registration embargo.
“In addition to the current embargo, the Club is already subject to a fee restriction for the next three transfer windows after it accumulated 30 days or more of late payments in the current 12-month period (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024). The current default period as of 31 October 2023 was 79 days.
“Where a Club continues to fail to make the payment as in the case of Reading, EFL Regulations agreed by EFL Clubs provide for a Club to be referred to a commission independent of the EFL who shall determine an appropriate further sanction.”
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch said: “This is a challenging situation for all involved and we understand the frustrations of supporters and the negative impact sporting sanctions and further charges are having on the football club.
“As a League, we are required to ensure all 72 members are treated fairly and consistently on all matters so that the integrity of the competition is maintained. These consistent failures of the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations have a knock-on effect on all Clubs and as such, the deterrents in place must be actioned when breached.
“We have today met with the Reading Supporters Trust to discuss the ongoing challenges and will continue to work with the Club in an attempt find a positive solution moving forward.”
The statement rounded off by confirming that Yongge remains under investigation, with a hearing scheduled for later this month:
“Meanwhile, the proceedings against Mr Yongge Dai, the Club’s current owner, continue following the failure to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account.
“The hearing for Mr Yongge Dai is expected to take place by the end of November.”
Writer’s View
It’s just a complete mess. There’s not a lot about the situation that can be said that hasn’t already, but you have to feel for the legion of Reading supporters. They are the ones really suffering in this whole debacle.
It’s also tough on the players and manager Ruben Selles, who are attempting to make the best of a bad situation. However, point deductions mean that they are already eight points from safety and League Two looks to be looming.
