Birmingham slapped with points deduction just days after finishing Championship season and dodging relegation
BIRMINGHAM CITY have been hit with a points deduction just days after avoiding relegation from the Championship.
The Blues will be deducted two points, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season, after admitting to a breach of EFL regulations.
The club were charged in February with a breach of the Owners and Directors’ Test after allowing a number of individuals to be defined as a Relevant Person and acquire control of the club without the prior approval of the EFL.
Following sanctions against those individuals – Paul Richardson, Maxi Lopez and Matt Southall – issued last month, the club have entered an agreement with the EFL for a reprimand.
A statement from Birmingham City said: “Birmingham City Football Club has entered into an Agreed Decision with the English Football League (EFL) in relation to charges issued on Monday 20 February 2023 concerning the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).
“This follows an investigation by the EFL into the proposed acquisition of control of the Club by Maxco Capital Co Ltd.
“The Club has cooperated fully with the EFL throughout the investigation and has accepted a two-point deduction, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season.
“The suspended deduction will only come into effect upon any future breach of the OADT before the end of next season.
“In addition, the Club will make a contribution to the EFL’s costs of the investigation.”
Birmingham finished 17th in the Championship this season.
An EFL statement also confirmed that Birmingham’s owner, Vong Pech, has been issued with a warning and a reprimand after permitting the individuals to acquire control of the club.
The club added: “Whilst the Club has accepted the charges, the EFL has acknowledged a number of relevant circumstances in this particular matter and has recognised that the Club took extensive steps during the potential takeover to avoid any potential breach of the OADT.
“The Club is satisfied that a prompt resolution has been reached during the season.”