May 7, 2011– QPR will officially be promoted to the Premier League along with Norwich City as Championship winners after the FA decided not to dock points.
“The regulatory commission hearing charges brought by the FA against Queens Park Rangers FC wish to announce that although two of the charges have been found to be proved there will be no points deduction made from Queens Park Rangers FC in this season or the next.”
May 6, 2011– the FA announces that the verdict, which was originally to be announced on May 6, 2011 at 16.00 BST will be postponed, but does not announce the exact date. QPR are due to play their final match of the season against Leeds on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Verdict is expected on Monday, but experts say it could even be announced over the weekend. Noted sports lawyer Ian Mills is the lawyer pleading QPR’s case. Mills is the lawyer who got Sheffield United a 25m pound settlement when West Ham were investigated regarding the Carlos Tevez affair.
This QPR case hearing, regarding their acquisition of Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin in 2009, could decide whether or note the Hoops get promoted to the Premier League next season. It could also affect the fate of other teams as a points deduction for QPR could see them drop into the playoffs or drop out of contention altogether.
QPR have been charged with seven regulation breaches by the FA in the Alejandro Faurlin case.
The hearing began on May 3, 2011 and a verdict was supposed to be delivered on May 6, 2011, but the FA have indicated that they will delay the verdict. This affects the final round of Championship games that take place on Saturday. QPR have already won the Championship, but a points deduction could see them surrender their crown.
In the words of the FA, the charges against QPR in the Alejandro Faurlin case are given below.
These charges are brought under FA Rules C1(b)(iii) and E3, and the Third Party Investment in Players Regulations, A1 and A2.
“The club is also charged with allegedly using or seeking to pay an unauthorised agent in relation to the player’s registration in July 2009. This charge is brought under the Players Agents Regulations, A1.
“The club and club official Gianni Paladini are also charged in respect of allegedly false information contained in documents submitted to The FA in relation to the same player signing an extension to his playing contract with the club in October 2010. These charges are brought under the Players Agents Regulations, C2, and FA Rule E3.