20 February 2023 , 21:13
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Championship side Birmingham City could be handed a suspended points deduction after allegedly breaching the English Football League's regulations.
The EFL have charged Birmingham and "a number of individuals" with multiple counts of misconduct after concluding an investigation into a failed takeover attempt. It is alleged a prospective buyer is accused of funding the club without the EFL's approval.
Birmingham have faced a number of off-field problems since Birmingham Sports Holdings - a Hong Kong-based company - completed a controlling takeover of the club in 2016. Two stands at the club's St Andrew's ground are partially closed due to asbestos damage.
The EFL confirmed Birmingham's charges on Monday evening. If found guilty, Birmingham could face similar punishment to Rochdale when they were found to have breached the EFL's regulations. They were handed a six-point deduction, suspended for two years.
Birmingham fan Paul Richardson and former Barcelona forward Maxi Lopez attempted to buy the club in December before their bid collapsed. It is believed the EFL are accusing them of being involved in the running of the club without passing their owners' test.
Birmingham City takeover stalls despite several meetings with club's owners
The EFL have not named the individuals charged. The case will now be referred to an independent disciplinary commission to review.
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The EFL's statement read: "Following the conclusion of an investigation into the proposed acquisition of control at Birmingham City, the EFL has today charged the club and a number of other individuals with alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
"The EFL has been considering whether the club, any official(s), and/or any persons involved with the proposed acquisition of control complied with the requirements of the regulations in relation to the owners’ and directors’ test (OADT).
"Having comprehensively reviewed all relevant issues, the EFL has now determined there is sufficient evidence to justify issuing various charges of misconduct. The charges allege that a number of people were allowed to and did act as relevant persons and/or acquired control of the club without the prior approval of the EFL, and associated breaches.
"The multiple matters will now be referred to an independent disciplinary commission and due to them being subject to ongoing proceedings, the EFL will not be making any further comment."
Birmingham added: "Birmingham City acknowledges the decision of the EFL and its charges of the club with alleged breaches of EFL regulations following the conclusion of its investigation into the proposed acquisition of control. The multiple matters will now be referred to an independent disciplinary commission. No further comment will be made."
Birmingham were docked nine points for breaking the EFL's spending rules in 2019 and were found guilty of failing to adhere to an agreed business plan the following year. The EFL are still investigating the "ultimate beneficial ownership" of the club amid confusion.
Birmingham fans have protested against their owners - and it's easy to see why. Two stands at St Andrew's are partially closed and the damage is shocking, as Birmingham Live proved in 2022. They have not finished in the top 10 of the Championship since 2012.