Penalties for teams in administration?

TOWN could be booted out of the league if financial troubles forced them into administration again.

Board members at troubled Portman Road believe their financial rescue package will see the club emerge from administration by the summer.

But any return of the chronic money problems plaguing Town this season could result in the ultimate sanction, under tough new rules to be discussed by the Football League.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the League will consider kicking out any club going into administration twice in three years.

League bosses are concerned about the number of clubs choosing the administration route to financial freedom.

And they fear new Government legislation could see a massive increase in clubs taking what will become an increasingly easy option.

Further penalties could be imposed to help prevent first-timers going into administration.

Deductions of six or 12 points have been mooted – with the League board favouring the heavier measure.

An automatic relegation at the end of the season is also up for discussion and the current transfer embargo during administration is set to continue.

Board chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney told the paper: "This is designed to say to club directors that how you manage the club is important to everybody.

"Lots of clubs going into administration sends out a message about the way football is run and conducted.

"There needs to be some sense that administration should not be the easy option."

The League's 72 clubs are set to discuss the proposals in a meeting at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium on Thursday.

Other than Town, Leicester City, Port Vale, York City, Barnsley, Notts County and Huddersfield Town have all been in administration this season.

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