Championship relegation rivals Barnsley and Reading could be on collision course for a battle in the courtroom.
Barnsley chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad has sent a letter to the English Football League ( EFL ) asking for clarity over Reading's financial situation.
The Royals were handed a deduction earlier this season for breaking the EFL's financial regulations.
It saw the Berkshire side handed an immediate six-point penalty as well as being given a suspended six-point handicap that will only be triggered if they fail to comply with a business plan.
However, that will only be handed down following the completion of the 2022-23 season - regardless of what division Reading are in.
Which three teams will be relegated from the Championship? Let us know in the comments
The Athletic is now reporting that El-Ahmad has sent a letter to EFL chief executive Trevor Birch outlining a number of issues they have with what they perceive to be an "unfair advantage" in the Royals' benefit.
It seems much of Barnsley's gripe is concerned around Reading recently posting a pre-tax loss of almost £36million for last year - they have already posted losses that go beyond the permitted losses threshold over a three-year period, as per EFL rules.
The report claims El-Ahmad's letter says: “We believe Reading are at a sporting advantage in the 2021-22 season, by continuing to operate a business model that is incompatible with P&S compliance.
“Barnsley are at a competitive disadvantage now. We therefore find it objectionable that a breach that is occurring now would not be sanctioned until 2022-23.
“We are keen to avoid a similar situation to that which Wycombe Wanderers find themselves in, whereby we are forced to take legal action if sanctions are applied in a non-coterminous period when the continuous and sustained breach of regulations occurred.”
The latter line is reference to the saga involving Wycombe and Derby County. Wycombe finished a point behind the Rams last season and were subsequently relegated from the Championship. Wycombe then launched a compensation claim against Derby.
Recent talk suggested a compromise between the two clubs may well be near, after Derby resolved a similar matter with Middlesbrough after a long stand-off between the two.
Reading are fourth-bottom in the Championship - five points above third-bottom Derby and six clear of second-bottom Barnsley, although the South Yorkshire side have a game in hand on the Royals.
Paul Ince was recently hired as Reading interim manager, following Veljko Paunović's sacking last month.
Former England captain Ince won his first game at the helm but has since lost the last two.
As for Barnsley, their recent revival came to a halt with defeat at Derby last Saturday.
Manager Poya Asbaghi remains hopeful his side can still put up a brave fight. Tuesday sees them host Stoke City in what is their game in hand.
"Of course we're all really disappointed and we know the importance of this game," Asbaghi reflected after defeat at Pride Park.
“We have bounced back before, and I’m confident we can do it in a good way in front of our home fans against Stoke on Tuesday.”
Barnsley are set to welcome Reading to Oakwell in what could be a crucial relegation clash, on Saturday, April 2.
Reading FC have been approached for comment by Mirror Football .
