Football league bosses have charged Rochdale AFC over rule breaches with just weeks left to go in the season. The League Two club are currently nine points clear of local rivals Oldham Athletic in the relegation zone, with just 11 games remaining.
Yesterday's announcement has left Rochdale AFC fans fearing a points deduction from the EFL, with other clubs facing similar punishments in recent years. And if the deduction comes this season, it could plunge the side into relegation bother - while helping to keep Latics up.
But how likely is a points deduction for Dale? The EFL has issued several similar sanctions in recent years against sides including Derby County, Reading and Wigan Athletic.
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Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City have also been served points deductions in the past few years, while Luton Town were docked a huge 30-point haul back in 2008-09. Yet Rochdale's situation is completely different.
What's going on at Spotland?
Rochdale AFC have been charged with alleged breaches of EFL regulations, following an investigation into the acquisition of shares in the club by Morton House in July 2021. A number of 'other individuals' have also been charged.
It is alleged that Morton House acquired shares in the football club without EFL approval through the owners’ and directors’ test.
The football club claimed in September 2021 there had been 'no contact' between the club and Morton House and announced it would assist the EFL in its investigation. However, the EFL believes Rochdale AFC's actions amount to misconduct, and a charge was made yesterday.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the EFL has not dealt with any similar cases to Rochdale's before, so any punishment the club receives will set a new precedent. Points deductions handed to other teams have been for issues such as administration and breaches of financial fair play.
Some Dale fans have suggested the charge could mean the club is being punished for the actions of individuals who are now no longer involved. However, the unique nature of the club's situation means a points deduction is not necessarily guaranteed, and supporters are hopeful the team could avoid such a punishment.
What the EFL said
In a statement issued yesterday (March 16), a spokesperson for the EFL said: "Following the conclusion of an investigation into the acquisition of shares in Rochdale AFC by Morton House, the EFL has charged the club and a number of other individuals with alleged breaches of EFL regulations.
"The EFL has been considering whether the club, any official, any relevant person(s) and/or any other persons involved complied with the requirements of the regulations in respect of the acquisition of shares in the club in July 2021.
"Having comprehensively reviewed the relevant issues, the EFL has now determined there is sufficient evidence to justify issuing various charges of misconduct. The multiple matters will now be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission and due to them being subject to ongoing proceedings, the EFL will not be making any further comment."
What Rochdale AFC said
A spokesperson for Rochdale AFC said: "Rochdale Association Football Club has today (Wednesday) been charged with breaches of EFL regulations. The club has fully co-operated with the EFL at every stage of their investigation and will continue to do so, having already provided the EFL with a considerable volume of their evidence.
"The club will now consider its legal position with regards to the charges. No further comment will be made at this moment in time."
