I certainly don't take stock of what the Sun says.

My opinion is formed by the summations found on other forums (eg the rather excellent piece on the CCMB forum, from the guy - I forget his name - who has experience of football administration).

The very fact they have been charged means that the FA have proof of guilt. The panel is there to listen to the evidence of that, listen to QPR's excuses, and decide a punishment thereon.

On this point alone, the guilt is there, and precedent says there will be a points deduction (qv Luton)

This will not be helped by the fact that QPR DID break the rules, and the allegation that they then knowingly tried to cover up the fact they broke the rules by falsifying documents.

On this point, a precedent can be made by the points deduction given to Hereford, who had a deadline of 31st January 12 noon, but submitted the documents at 2.30pm. Again, if this one is proven the FA will throw the book.

What is worse for them is the pronouncement discussed elsewhere and before; with the minister of Sport & Culture damning the way the FA is run, and near as dammit issuing an ultimatum that says "Your administration is bloody awful, sort yourselves out or I'll get people in to govern the sport properly" (I paraphrase).

The FA cannot be seen to be sweeping this one under the carpet.

They will HAVE to be harsh on QPR, and as some of the offences occurred this season, this season's points deduction may be affected.

With regards to an appeal, they may only do so within seven days (I believe) and only on the grounds of a) new evidence or b) too harsh a penalty. The independent commission will be hearing a case brought BY the FA, and OF the FA vs QPR.

Bearing in mind that any appeal will be dealt with by the FA, I believe the commission will have all their ducks lined up before delivering the verdict.

There is no scope for legal appeal, as it's a condition of FA, PL and FL membership that any right to court action brought against the FA is waived. This was brought in after the West Ham/Sheff Utd affair.

It's been left this late in the season so as not to affect the integrity of the rest of the matches.

I think QPR will be given a points deduction that will see them in the play offs, so that the top 6 remain as the top 6. A fine on its own will be a punitive measure - they are one of the football clubs with the richest owners in the world.

We live in interesting times - roll on next Friday.

Posted By: Graham Br15tol on April 29th 2011 at 21:39:18

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