Deduction threat for clubs

Defending champions and current leaders St Helens are also accused of over-spending on players' wages during the 2006 season and will appear before an independent tribunal next week.

The hearing for Bradford and St Helens will be held next Thursday, with Wigan appearing on Monday, July 16.

Clubs are permitted to spend no more than 50% of their income, up to a maximum of £1.7million, on players' wages and the Rugby Football League have a sliding scale of punishments according to the size of the breach.

Wigan and Bradford were both docked two points last August for spending between 52% and 55% of their income on wages in 2005, while Hull and St Helens were fined £1,000, with another £4,000 suspended, for minor breaches and Wakefield and Castleford were given warnings.

Wigan were also fined £50,000 and Bradford were handed a £25,000 fine, of which £15,000 was suspended for two years. Since those punishments were handed out, the league have doubled the penalties to four points for a breach of 52-55%, eight points for 56-60% and 12 points for over 60%.

It is thought Wigan will deny the charge when they attend the hearing but, if they are found guilty, it could prompt a legal challenge by Castleford, who were relegated from Super League last year. Wigan finished just three points above the Tigers after winning nine of their last 11 matches since the £445,000 signing of Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden from Bradford.

Castleford's relegation is believed to have cost them around £1million in lost television fees, sponsorship and gate receipts while Wigan reported a dramatic increase in income as a result of their climb to safety and ended 2006 as the best supported club.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: "We raised concerns at the end of last season about the possibility of this situation arising and, if a breach of the games rules has contributed to our relegation, then it will leave the club and its loyal supporters feeling very bitter. We are watching the situation very closely and will, if appropriate, consider what steps we may take."

St Helens and Wigan declined to comment but, in a statement, Bradford chairman Peter Hood said: "Since March 2006 Bradford Bulls has kept the RFL in the picture as regards its salary cap position and has at all times co-operated fully with the compliance commissioner's investigation."