Photograph: Dave Howarth/PA
Birmingham City could face a suspended points deduction after being charged with multiple counts of misconduct by the English Football League. The Championship club and “a number of individuals” have been charged with breaching EFL regulations after the league concluded its investigation into an attempted takeover.
It is understood the charges refer to a prospective buyer, Paul Richardson, allegedly funding the club without EFL approval. Richardson and the former Barcelona striker Maxi López withdrew their offer in December. The EFL deemed the pair to have been acting with a controlling interest in the club. The charges relate to alleged breaches of the owners’ and directors’ test by Birmingham and individuals who have not been named.