QPR face a possible points deduction by the English Football Association (FA) before end of season. This has immediate implications for promotion betting, as QPR currently sit top of the Championship table, seven points clear of their nearest rivals.
QPR have been charged with breaches of seven FA rules over third-party ownership and agents. These relate to the signing of Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin in 2009 and a contract extension last October. Possible punishments for the club range from a fine to a points deduction. Third-party ownership of players is illegal in England but common in South America. It has been suggested that Faurlin was effectively owned by three Argentine agents.
Already the Betfair odds for QPR to win the league have jumped out to 1.55. Luxbet has been slower to react. They currently offer 1.28 odds on QPR to win the Championship, and more than 10.00 odds on everyone else! Some bookmakers have suspended promotion betting altogether.
It’s uncertain what the points deduction would be if one were imposed. Ten points is one possibility. The current penalty for going into administration is 10 points. Also, Luton Town were deducted 10 points in 2008 for using unlicensed agents.
The FA is very much aware of the need for clarity as the Championship season draws to an end. It is seeking a rapid resolution to the case.
Sources:
BBC – QPR face points deduction by FA before end of season
BBC – Queens Park Rangers charged with agent rule breaches