This isn't the first time Reading has run into problems due to rule violations. Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns
Reading has suffered a third point deduction in less than two years following further violations of Football League financial rules.
After being subjected to two separate six-point sanctions, Reading will now be deducted one point and another three points suspended for not paying their players on time three times.
Thus, Reading's total points are 13 points deducted with their owner Dai Yong, who was also fined for £10,000.
The Chinese businessman completed his takeover in 2017 and the club plunged into crisis due to a tumultuous two-year period.
The EFL said in a statement that they are «extremely disappointed by the club's continued failure to comply with its current obligations under the EFL Rules, the consequences of which have a negative impact on all those associated with Reading, especially its employees, supporters and the local community.»
The EFL also confirmed that it is reviewing a decision made by an independent disciplinary committee, raising the possibility of further sanctions.
Telegraph Sport examines the tenure of the elusive Jonge and the deepening crisis at the club, which has been premier. League a little over ten years ago.
How bad is the situation in Reading?
Reading was first penalized with a six-point deduction for exceeding losses in excess of the allowed £39m over three years.
For the 2018–19 season, the payroll was reported to be “ Reading was £40 million, representing 194 per cent of their turnover. Their accounts for the next campaign had a total accumulated loss of £138 million.
The EFL then placed Reading on a strict business plan that restricted them from permanent transfers or loan fee expenses. However, in April they were deducted another six points for failing to meet the agreed budget. It was concluded that Reading did not receive enough money from the sale of players and relied on a proposed deal that was not completed by the March 1 deadline to meet his obligations.
These sanctions eventually led to Reading's relegation to the third level for the first time since 2002.
There was an additional unwanted scrutiny in June when they were charged with «multiple violations» of the rules, including three late payments to their players. Junge was also charged.
The club was also briefly placed under a transfer embargo for failing to pay HMRC on time, but it was lifted this month. Three separate liquidation petitions complete the embarrassing indictment.
Why is the owner of Reading struggling to pay wages? 
Dai Yonge (left) with former Reading Manager Jaap Stam in 2017. Credit: Shutterstock/Jasonpix
Yonge's financial backing is undeniable, with over £200 million invested in the club since 2017. However, it is obvious that they were spent unwisely, and he received bad advice from partners.
The broader issue is Yonge's difficulty in transferring money from China to England to pay wages, HMRC and maintain running costs. It is clear that the Chinese government has imposed restrictions on the outflow of capital from the country.
This is clearly of great concern to the EFL and other clubs, who see non-payment of wages as a serious problem. question.
However, it should be noted that West Bromwich, another club in financial trouble due to Chinese ownership, has always paid its staff on time, so this appears to be an issue directly impacting Reading .
Within a few months. for October and November 2022 and April 2023 — wages were either late or not paid in full, although the delay was known to be short in two cases.
As a result of this latest EFL sanction instructed Junge to open a escrow account to avoid repeat non-payment of wages.
How do Reading fans feel about the current owner?
Since Reading were promoted to League One in May, fans have been rebellious. Simply put, they want new owners and don't seem to trust Yonge.
This year, a fan group called «Sell Before We Dai» was formed to force the sale. These supporters will witness the transformation of Birmingham City following the arrival of an ambitious new owner.
On Tuesday evening, Reading secured their first league win in nearly six months with a 1 home win over Cheltenham: 0. Attendance was estimated to be below 9,000.
New head coach Ruben Selles, who was at Southampton last season, is seen as a shrewd operator, but in his first full-time job, he works with extreme limited resources.
While this latest point deduction will be seen as rather lenient — Wigan started this season with minus eight points after two separate four-point deductions for late wage payments — the future looks bleak until there is a change of ownership . .
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