LONDON: Birmingham City of English football’ second tie have been deducted nine points for a breach of the Football League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

The Blues exceeded the permitted limits on losses – £39m over a three-year period – as well as signing left-back Kristian Pedersen despite transfer sanctions in the summer transfer window.

After reluctantly accepting the player’s registration back then, the EFL had said: “The EFL is exceptionally disappointed that the club entered into an employment contract with the player at a time they knew they would be subject to a business plan for 2018/19 if they were in breach.”

The Mail recently reported that Birmingham were spending £202 for every £100 brought into the club on wages during a turbulent time that saw multiple managerial changes with Gary Rowett, Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp all having spells in charge.

The investigation started at the beginning of August.

Birmingham are the first club to be deducted points since the EFL introduced the profitability and sustainability rules at the start of the 2016-17 season.

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