OXFORD United have been fined and given a suspended one-transfer window fee restriction.

The punishment from the English Football League comes after the U’s accumulated 30 days or more of late payments between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

The fee restriction refers to payment for a permanent transfer or loan, but as it’s suspended, United can go about their summer and future transfer window business as usual, unless of course the club breaches the rules again.

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After the club was hit with a £3,500 fine, U’s club secretary Vanessa Gomm said in a statement: “Due to an isolated administrative error, the club were reported to the EFL for late payments to another club.

“The issue was dealt with swiftly, with payment made in full. However, as per EFL rules, the breach triggered an automatic financial penalty of £3,500 alongside the automatic imposition of a three-transfer window fee restriction.

“An appeal was lodged on the basis that the sanction was disproportionate to the conduct in question, with the matter referred to an independent disciplinary commission.

“On review, the commission agreed with the club’s position and subsequently reduced the three-window restriction to one window, suspended for two years, which will only be triggered upon a further breach of Regulation 52.6.3. 

“We have already taken steps to improve internal processes and would like to reassure supporters that this decision will have no impact on our recruitment plans or the club.

“We have already brought in experienced, quality Championship players and will continue to build a competitive squad for the season ahead.

“Oxford United would like to thank the EFL and the commission for their cooperation in this matter.”

An EFL statement read: “In June 2024, the EFL issued Oxford United with a financial penalty of £3,500 alongside a three-transfer window fee restriction as a result of the club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the 12-month period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.  

“As permitted by EFL regulations, the club opted to appeal the imposition of the three-transfer window fee restriction on the basis that the sanction was disproportionate to the offence committed by the club. The matter was referred to an independent disciplinary commission.   

“On review of the case, the commission has determined that the three-transfer window fee restriction should be reduced to one window, suspended for two years, which will be triggered upon a further breach of Regulation 52.6.3. The club is still required to pay the £3,500 fine.”