‘Suspended’ - Birmingham City told full extent of EFL punishment as big club figure dealt blow

Blues have found out the severity of their punishment for breaching EFL regulations with a previous failed takeover attempt.
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Birmingham City will be deducted two points in the Sky Bet Championship, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season, after admitting to a breach of EFL regulations. The agreed decision comes three months after Blues were charged with failing to adhere to rules around the Owners and Directors’ Test.

A statement from the EFL reads: “Following a thorough investigation, the Club was charged in February with breaching the Owners and Directors’ Test after they allowed a number of individuals to bring themselves within the definition of a Relevant Person and to acquire Control of the Club without the prior approval of the EFL.

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“Those individuals received sanctions last month and the Club has now entered into an Agreed Decision, with the EFL which includes the suspended sporting sanction and liability for the associated costs of the investigation.

“In addition, Birmingham City’s owner, Mr Vong Pech, has entered an Agreed Decision with the EFL after admitting to a breach of EFL Regulations when he permitted those individuals to acquire control of the Club without the prior approval of the EFL. Mr Vong Pech was issued with a warning and reprimand, and is liable to pay the costs of the investigation.”

The decision will have no impact on the pending takeover from Shelby Companies Limited but it will of course have its ramifications in a sporting sense. The suspended points deduction makes John Eustace’s task of achieving Blues’ next targets all the more difficult. It’s a good job the head coach has already proven his ability to overcome challenges.

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