'Expulsion' - Birmingham City's League One rivals could be kicked out of EFL in stunning ultimatum

Reading could be dramatically booted out of the EFL if the club does not find a buyer in the not-too-distant future.

Owner Dai Yongge has been disqualified by the EFL under the Owners’ and Directors’ Test and has until April 5 to be rid of his duties, or else Reading will be expelled from the Football League, just as Bury FC were in 2019.

The Royals have been in a precarious position for the best part of a decade, with numerous charges handed down by the EFL throughout Yongge’s tenure. Reading were served a winding-up petition by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs in 2023 for failing to pay taxes and were later charged with the failure to pay players on time.

This new, more severe development could result in Reading’s expulsion as a professional club, just two years on from their first relegation to League One in two decades. It’s a devastating blow for the players, staff and most importantly, the supporters.

Reading, currently eighth in League One and just two points outside the play-off positions, are only one of two teams - alongside Northampton Town - to take points off champions-elect Birmingham City in both meetings this season.

Their campaign was meant to end in exciting fashion with a potential promotion to the Championship on the cards, but the reality could be devastatingly different.

What has the EFL said about Reading?

The EFL’s intention, as it makes out, is to ensure Reading survives, but the governing body has been left with very little choice but to impose the threat of severe sanctions due to Yongge’s alleged actions.

Explaining the latest, a statement from the EFL reads: “Following its disclosure in open court earlier today, the League can confirm that Mr Yongge has been recently disqualified under the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

“The disqualification requires Mr Yongge to divest his interests in the Club, and in the event that he fails to do so within the agreed timeframe, the League will consider all options available within its regulations to bring the matter to a conclusion.

“The League continues to work closely with Reading FC to progress a sale of the Club at the earliest opportunity, in order to end the current uncertainty surrounding its future for its staff, supporters and wider community.”

Will Reading be sold in time?

Yongge has been in talks with prospective buyers for some time in an effort to move on Reading - and there were advanced talks with ex-Wycombe Wanderers chief Rob Couhig last year before a deal fell through - but the club remains in a standstill.

As relayed by the Reading Chronicle, Yongge has today lost a case in Commercial Court to release security against the club from Redwood Holdings, namely Couhig. It’s another setback in what has been a painfully slow and arduous process for all involved.

It was reported by the BBC last month that American businessman Robert Platek was very interested in buying Reading but the court case between Reading and Couhig delayed any new parties from beginning the process of a formal takeover.

Updates are expected in the coming days as Reading and the EFL desperately seek a resolution.