Thomas Horton from Football Law has recently discussed how Birmingham City avoided a further points deduction from the EFL.
In June, it was revealed that the EFL had won its appeal against an independent disciplinary commission’s ruling which cleared Blues of a misconduct charge (per BBC).
However, this did not result in the Midlands outfit being awarded a points deduction. The initial charge had been brought against the club as Birmingham allegedly breached an agreed business plan.
So, in the latest episode of The Price of Football podcast, Horton made an appearance and discussed how Blues avoided a points deduction.
He said: “Absolutely, [it was] finger-wagging [and] a slap on the wrists, whichever way you want to put it, it wasn’t much when you compare it to points sanctions and fines that are otherwise available.
“This whole dispute between the EFL and Birmingham City has its roots back in August of 2018 and it wasn’t until June of 2020 when this final decision was delivered.
“[What] makes this all seem a bit of a storm in a teacup for how much litigation there has been in respect of it [is that] because Birmingham City did, albeit later on in the year [than they were due to], comply with the budget and also complied with the profitability and sustainability rules genuinely as well, that militated against there being a harsh sanction imposed.
“Therefore, the appropriate sanction from the appeals board perspective was simply a reprimand.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Horton had to say, because Birmingham complied with their business plan and profitability and sustainability rules eventually, even though they were late, that is why Blues avoided a points deduction.
Do you think that will now be the end of Blues' disputes with the EFL?
No, it's not the end of it
Yes, I think it's over now
Hopefully, with the legal process having dragged on for a lengthy period of time, it is all behind the Blues now and they can focus on on-the-pitch matters.