READING FC has been hit with a three point deduction after club owner Dai Yongge failed to deposit 125% of the club’s wage bill as requested by the EFL.
The Royals have been punished with points penalties for the previous three campaigns and were given a one point deduction last month, with a further three points suspended if Dai Yongge failed to fulfil the demands set by the EFL.
A statement released by the EFL reads: “Reading FC have been deducted three points from the 2023/24 League One table after the Club failed to comply with the order of an Independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) which required them to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account by 12 September 2023.
“As a result of this latest instance of non-compliance by the Club’s ownership, the suspended sanction has been activated and, as per the Commission’s instructions, applied by the EFL to the League One table with immediate effect.
“The EFL continues to acknowledge the negative impact sporting sanctions are having on the Football Club and remain extremely disappointed and frustrated at the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations under EFL Regulations. The League will continue to apply its rules in all circumstances deemed appropriate.
Reading fans have continued to voice their displeasure of Dai Yongge’s ownership at the club with the formation of protest group Sell Before We Dai to put pressure on him to sell the club.
The latest points penalty means that Reading now drop down to 21st position in the League One table.
Ruben Selles’ side have won two of their opening six matches, but have now lost four points in total which leaves them in the relegation zone ahead of their home match with second placed Bolton Wanderers.
Dai Yongge and chief executive Dayong Pang announced in August that the club is in the process of seeking ‘significant financial investment’ to support the club.
