The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed that an Independent Disciplinary Commission has determined that Reading FC will be deducted two points, with a further two points suspended.
The latest points penalty, which takes the total to 18 under Dai Yongge’s ownership, has been issued after the club failed to meet HMRC payment obligations in accordance with EFL regulations.
Dai Yonge has also been fined £100,000 for his repeated failures to deposit 125% of the club’s forecast monthly wage bill. He will be required to pay the fine by March 18.
A statement from the EFL says: “If Mr Dai fails to comply with the prior order of the IDC to meet the deposit requirement within 28 days a further suspended fine of £100,000 will be activated and an additional fine of £100,000 will be imposed if the money is not received within five weeks.
“The EFL notes the written reasons issued by the Commission who have again opted not to disqualify Mr Dai because of the potential adverse consequences for the Club.
“However, as the League has previously stated, Mr Dai has demonstrated an unwillingness to support the Club’s current financial commitments, in contrast to his approach following the change of control in 2017. That is creating significant uncertainty, and the current impasse has to be broken.
“Therefore, the League urges Mr Dai to provide his Club with the appropriate resources needed while at the same time accelerating his efforts to sell his majority shareholding to new owners, so that everyone associated with Reading FC, including staff, supporters and the local community, can move on and prepare for a positive future.”
