EFL Issues Stern Ultimatum to Reading’s Owner
The English Football League (EFL) has taken a firm stance against Reading FC owner Dai Yongge, demanding he either provides immediate financial support or arranges a swift sale of the club. This dramatic development comes after Yongge failed to meet yet another deadline to fund a deposit account covering player and staff wages, resulting in a £50,000 fine – bringing his total penalties to £80,000.
A Club in Turmoil: The Dai Yongge Era Unravels
Since taking over in 2017, Yongge‘s ownership has been marked by:
- Multiple points deductions
- Repeated financial violations
- Growing fan unrest
- Severe operational challenges
The situation reached boiling point last Saturday when Reading’s League One match against Port Vale was abandoned after furious home supporters stormed the pitch in protest. This incident has forced the EFL to schedule emergency board discussions about the club’s future.
Financial Failures and Regulatory Breaches
According to Baji live sources, the crisis stems from:
- Persistent funding failures: Yongge has defaulted on financial obligations for nearly four months
- Regulatory violations: Multiple breaches of EFL financial rules
- Staff welfare concerns: Employees face ongoing uncertainty about wage payments
“The EFL has shown remarkable patience, but enough is enough,” says Baji live football analyst Mark Thompson. “This ultimatum represents the last chance for Yongge to either commit properly or step aside.”
What Comes Next for Reading FC?
The EFL has outlined three potential paths forward:
Immediate Financial Commitment
Yongge could choose to fully fund the club, meeting all outstanding obligations and providing guarantees for future stability.
Orderly Ownership Transition
The preferred solution would see Yongge arrange a prompt sale to new owners capable of restoring financial health.
Continued EFL Intervention
Should Yongge remain unresponsive, the league may impose:
- Further financial penalties
- Additional sporting sanctions
- Potential disqualification proceedings
Fan Protests and Safety Concerns
While supporting fan frustrations, the EFL emphasized that pitch invasions constitute criminal offenses that endanger safety. The league plans to:
- Meet with supporter groups within 24 hours
- Review Saturday’s events at this week’s board meeting
- Balance fan concerns with competition integrity
The Road Ahead
As Baji live understands, the EFL remains committed to working with all parties to resolve this crisis. Their statement concluded: “For the sake of Reading FC’s future, we urge Mr Dai to act decisively – either fund the club properly or sell to new owners who can restore hope to this historic club.”
The coming days will be critical for Reading FC, with the club’s very existence in the balance. Stay tuned to Baji live for continued coverage of this developing story.
