The BBC are reporting that Saracens will be relegated this season amid their salary cap issues after failing to comply with salary cap rules by Premiership Rugby‘s deadline.
The story so far
Saracens have already been deducted 35 points and fined £5.3m, which was shared amongst Premiership Rugby stakeholders.
It is now believed they can’t comply with the £7m salary cap, even adding on marquee players and injury dispensation.
They were given a time frame to get within this cap, but have been “unable to do so,” according to the BBC.
The defending champions, and reigning European champions have stated nothing has yet to be finalised.
Saracens interim chief executive has stated: “Discussions are continuing, and nothing has been finalised but our position remains the same.”
In an article that was posted and removed offline the BBC have stated:
“The BBC understands that the move against Saracens has the backing of all the remaining 11 clubs but has been driven by Premiership Rugby, which has been resolute in repairing the damage caused by this unprecedented scandal.”
Sarries not able to offload players
It’s not as simple as offloading players as they’d still need to tender to the remaining contract lengths and paying those off wouldn’t be seen as within the salary cap.
Last month Premiership Rugby announced a review of the regulations, conducted by Lord Myners.
Automatic relegation close!
The Times are reporting that unless Saracens can reduce their wage bill by £2m they’ll suffer another 35 points deduction and fine, which would almost certainly relegate them.
It is also stated that if they were to win the Champions Cup this year, they wouldn’t be in a position to defend it next season, as they are outside the capture leagues.
Saracens set to accept further punishment
A meeting held on Friday has seen the management meet players and staff and confirm that they would accept the further 35 point deduction, according to the Guardian.
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