Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai have said that they are 'encouraged' by the latest EFL ruling as Dai Yongge has been fined £20,000 for failing to deposit 125 per cent of the wages into an allotted account.
This was after the Chinese businessman had failed to pay staff on time on three separate occasions this year.
The EFL themselves had pushed for a footballing ban for 12 months, however, an Independent Commission have opted for repeated fines.
Fearing yet more points deductions, Sell Before We Dai have been left 'encouraged' by the EFL stance of targeting the owner, and not punishing the players, staff or supporters.
Response to the latest charge against Dai Yongge#SellBeforeWeDai#ReadingFC https://t.co/11p7ZkYfhj pic.twitter.com/3JgZwFhuva
— Sell Before We Dai (@SellBeforeWeDai) December 19, 2023
"We are encouraged by the latest ruling from the EFL and the Independent Disciplinary Commission," their statement outlined. "For the first time since this group was formed, the EFL has shown a willingness to punish an owner of a football club - rather than its players, staff and fans. Points deductions have contributed to our club’s downfall and at times, seemed like the only
punishment the EFL were capable of enforcing. To see them recommend an alternative course of action should be viewed as a positive step.
"In the ruling, Yongge Dai is labelled as ‘unimpressive’ and his behaviour classed as ‘deliberate misconduct’. He has been fined and will be fined again if he fails to deposit funds that secure the short-term future of the club.
"While the EFL’s tough stance is welcomed, we have concerns about enforcement. As everyone associated with Reading Football Club can attest, Yongge Dai has never shown any respect for rules, we have little faith he will start now.
"However, in calling for Mr Dai to be disqualified from all football activity, it is clear that the EFL have finally aligned to the thinking of the majority of Reading fans and the SBWD campaign.
"There is no future for Mr Dai in English football. If he continues to delay deals, he will be continually hit in the pocket. He must sell now.
"Lastly, we wish to say thank you to all the Reading fans - and fans from the wider footballing community - who have fought to challenge football’s ownership problem.
"History has told us that these commissions normally result in points deductions, to see owner-focused sanctions come into play feels like a step towards more effective regulation."
Other supporters have had their say on social media, with most frustrated that the verdict did not go futher.
I mean, what's the point? Literally none. He probably won't pay and even if he did, so what?
— Baubles (@ohbobbins) December 19, 2023
Ridiculous. Should be in prison let alone fined. Complete fraudster
— micah (@m1871e) December 19, 2023
£20k with £50k suspended, what a joke!
— Max (@Readingfan106) December 19, 2023
Realistically that’s absolutely nothing to him. Should have got the 12 month ban
— dan (@Dan_RFC2006) December 19, 2023
Like fining me 20p.
— ‘King Lord Above Dissident (@SimonFrost3) December 19, 2023
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