Football finance expert Adam Williams has shared his take on the legal storm surrounding the EFL’s controversial ruling to replay Blackburn Rovers’ abandoned clash with Ipswich Town.

The Championship fixture at Ewood Park was halted late on, with Rovers 1-0 up and Ipswich reduced to ten men. With just ten minutes left, many Blackburn supporters — and manager Valerien Ismael — felt the three points should have been secured. Instead, the EFL confirmed the match will restart from 0-0, sparking anger among fans and suggestions that legal action could follow if the decision proves costly later in the season.

Williams, speaking to EFL Analysis, explained that while the frustration is understandable, the prospect of a successful legal challenge looks slim. Drawing parallels with Burnley’s ongoing £50m case against Everton, he pointed out that any action from Blackburn would almost certainly be handled through arbitration or internal football processes, rather than through the courts.

“The key argument would be based on the principle of ‘loss of a chance’,” Williams noted. “Burnley are using this in their case, saying Everton’s overspending denied them a fair fight to stay in the Premier League. Blackburn would have to prove that the abandonment and subsequent replay directly cost them promotion or a play-off place. That’s a tough argument to win.”

He added that while damages in such cases are calculated on probabilities rather than full losses, the risks for Blackburn — in terms of legal costs and their standing within the EFL — would likely outweigh any potential benefit. “Personally, I think the EFL’s ruling lacks common sense. They could have simply played out the final ten minutes behind closed doors. Instead, we’re left with unnecessary controversy.”

The fallout continues to intensify, particularly after it emerged that the two managers were divided over the stoppage itself. Reports suggest Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna pushed for the game to be abandoned, while Ismael insists he was not even consulted before the referee’s call to halt play.

For now, a full replay appears inevitable. But should Blackburn fail to win when the fixture is replayed, the debate — and the bitterness — will only grow louder.