Wolves secure promotion to Premier League

English Championship leader Wolverhampton Wanderers secured promotion to the Premier League Saturday without even playing. The Midlands club ended their six-year exile from the top flight when close rival Fulham could only draw 1-1 with Brentford, who equalised in the 94th minute. Wolves, who have 92 points from 42 games, require a further four points from their final four games to win the title but have already done enough to gain promotion.

Welcome back to EPL, Wolves ? pic.twitter.com/DzJl8YB4WZ

— Adel Koraiem (@adelkoraiem) April 14, 2018

The leader have taken the division by storm this season although their success is not without controversy following their tie-up with Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes represents head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and star players Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro. He also has a long association with Wolves owner Fosun International, which holds a stake in his company, and he advised it on the purchase of the club. Rival Championship clubs were unhappy about the relationship, with Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani saying Wolves' transfer policy was "not legal and fair".

Ikeme’s Wolves Gain Promotion Back To EPL https://t.co/nCvkTZXwGF pic.twitter.com/ynXG7UAPHN

— Complete Sports (@CompleteSports) April 14, 2018

For a while Saturday it looked as if Wolves would have to wait until Sunday, when they play Birmingham City, to go up when Fulham took a 70th-minute lead against Brentford through Aleksander Mitrovic. But Neal Maupay's last-gasp headed equaliser sent Wolves up and damaged Fulham's own prospect. The Cottagers stay third, one point behind Cardiff City, having played a game more. Cardiff beat Norwich City 2-0 with late goals from substitute Kenneth Zohore and Junior Hoilett. Derby County, surprisingly beaten 3-1 by bottom club Burton Albion, drop out of the remaining playoff places, which are now occupied by Aston Villa, who beat Leeds Friday night, Middlesbrough and Millwall.