Barnsley face points deduction and huge fine as EFL find them guilty of FIVE rule breaches after play-off heartbreak
BARNSLEY have been charged with FIVE breaches of EFL regulations.
The EFL have found the club guilty of breaches concerning its ownership.
The EFL have said that the Tykes have failed to provide the league with “correct and/or complete information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares in the club” despite a request for the information by the League.
Barnsley have also been charged with failing to provide “necessary notifications regarding the ownership position” and “failing to publish accurate information on the club’s website concerning the ultimate owners of the significant interest.”
The other two charges include “allowing individuals to acquire a position of control without prior clearance from the EFL” and “failing to act towards the League with the utmost good faith”.
Former club directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations”.
Barnsley, Paul Conway and Chien Lee have 14 days to respond to the charges.
The EFL could hand Barnsley a points deduction and a heavy fine.
Reading are one club that have been the subject of similar punishments from the EFL in recent times.
Barnsley have since released a statement addressing the charges in which it confirmed that they were the result of an investigation initiated by the club itself.
It read: “The charges announced by the EFL today are the result of an investigation initiated by the club following an internal review into the shareholdings of former directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee.
“After bringing the issue to the attention of the EFL, the club has fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage and will continue to do so, as appropriate.
“The steps taken by the club to instigate and then ensure a thorough investigation into the issue underline Barnsley FC’s commitment to compliance with the EFL’s regulations.
“The club will await the EFL’s sanctioning decision and will comment further in due course.”
Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the play off final.