Oxford United can confirm the club has been issued with a suspended one-transfer window fee restriction and a £3,500 fine as a result of the Club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the 12-month period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

Oxford United Club Secretary, Vanessa Gomm, said: “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.”