Reading have been hit with a three-point deduction ahead of Saturday’s League One clash with Wanderers.

The Royals had already received a one-point deduction with a further three points suspended due to issues off the pitch.

The suspended sanction will now come into effect as they prepare to host the Whites, the EFL has confirmed.

An official statement read: “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 per cent of the club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account by 12 September 2023.  

“On 15 August 2023, the IDC had determined the club had breached EFL Regulations related to the club having failed to pay its players’ wages on time and in full on or around 31 October 2022, 30 November 2022, and 28 April 2023. The club received a one-point deduction, with a further three points suspended.

“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.”

The deduction leaves Ruben Selles’ side on two points and in the relegation zone, having already racked up home victories against Stevenage and Cheltenham since the start of the campaign.

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