SUNDERLAND'S Championship rivals Oxford United have been disciplined by the EFL for a delay in paying the Black Cats Jay Matete's wages during the midfielder's loan spell in the second half of last season.

The U's have been fined £3,500 and were initially hit with a three-window transfer embargo, but that was then reduced to one window and suspended for two years, meaning it won't have any impact on their business this summer.

Oxford received the punishment after failing to pay wages owed to Sunderland on time.

Matete joined the then-League One side in January but only made six appearances before his loan and season was cut short after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

Sunderland were owed £63,680.34 and initially sent an invoice to Oxford in March but didn't receive the money until July, when Tim Williams, the club's chief executive was made aware of the problem. By that stage, the EFL had contacted Oxford about the issue.

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Oxford 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."

A statement released by the EFL reads: "In June 2024, the EFL issued Oxford United with a financial penalty of £3,500 alongside a three-transfer window fee restriction as a result of the club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the 12-month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. 

"As permitted by EFL Regulations, the club opted to appeal the imposition of the three-transfer window fee restriction on the basis that the sanction was disproportionate to the offence committed by the club. The matter was referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.  

"On review of the case, the Commission has determined that the three-transfer window fee restriction should be reduced to one window, suspended for two years, which will be triggered upon a further breach of Regulation 52.6.3. The club is still required to pay the £3,500 fine."