Queens Park Rangers have had their claim that the English Football League’s (EFL) 2012 Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules were unlawful under Competition Law dismissed.
An Arbitral Panel dismissed the claim, and also found the fine levied by the EFL on QPR was not disproportionate.
In a statement after the decision was announced, QPR chief executive officer Les Hoos said: “We are understandably disappointed with the decision.
“We are currently examining our next steps, but we will be appealing.
“However, until the matter is resolved in full, we are not in a position to provide any further comment.”
EFL chief executive officer Shaun Harvey, meanwhile, said in a statement: “This decision vindicates the approach of the EFL board in defending this challenge.
“The board will continue to enforce our rules on clubs to protect the interests of those that do comply.
“The board understand the challenges that this decision could create for our valued, member club and will work with them, as and when the matter formally concludes.
“It has taken a long time to get to this outcome and I’d like to publicly thank all those individuals who have supported our approach.”
It is believed the fine levied against QPR runs into the tens of millions after breaking FFP rules.
The commotion centres on the west Londoner’s promotion-winning season in the Championship in 2013-14.
Two years prior, the EFL brought in new rules to “reduce the levels of losses being incurred at some clubs and, over time, establish a league of financially self-sustaining professional football clubs”.
In QPR’s promotion winning-campaign, a maximum loss of £8million was allowed.
The west Londoners’ figures for that term showed a £9.8m-loss, while a further £60m was written off as loans by the club’s owners.
The EFL argued such a move was not allowed, and the two parties have been embroiled in a dispute over the value of the fine handed to QPR ever since.
And with QPR having announced their intention to appeal the latest decision, it looks likely that the dispute will continue for some time yet as both parties continue to fight their case.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here