UK Edition
Birmingham City fear relegation battle as they finally face EFL commission over breach of spending rules
Birmingham City fear they could be plunged into a relegation battle as they prepare for their crunch hearing with the English Football League next week.
Garry Monk’s Birmingham are set to finally face the EFL over their breach of spending rules, with the Championship club facing a potential deduction of up to 12 points.
The hearing was delayed last month due to “a conflict of interest” regarding one of the disciplinary commission, but it is expected to go ahead next week during the international break.
Birmingham have been under renewed scrutiny this week after a season ticket holder, Paul Mitchell, assaulted Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish in last Sunday’s Second City derby.
And next week’s hearing is certain to prove a defining moment in the club’s season, with the EFL understood to be pushing for the punishment.
Birmingham are facing sanctions for breaking the EFL's new profitability and sustainability rules and a heavy points deduction could have severe ramifications for their season.
Monk’s team are currently on 50 points but a deduction of ten points or more will drag them down towards the bottom three. Rotherham are 22nd in the table and on 36 points.
Birmingham are believed to be hugely frustrated with the delay over the hearing and have been pushing for clarity for some time. A verdict on any punishment will be this season.
Monk has performed admirably this season despite being restricted by a transfer embargo after the club exceeded the permitted losses of £39m over a three-year period.
Birmingham also signed Danish defender Kristian Pedersen from Union Berlin for £2m while under the embargo, with the EFL admitting they were “exceptionally disappointed”.
With Monk’s hands tied in the transfer market, Birmingham have been unable to initiate contract talks with skipper Michael Morrison, whose deal runs out this summer.