February date over points deduction

BIRMINGHAM’S fight against a possible points deduction will be heard in February.

Blues could be docked up to 12 points after being found to have breached the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules on spending.

A transfer embargo was placed on the club after they exceeded the permitted losses of £39 million over a three-year period.

And the EFL admitted they were ‘exceptionally disappointed’ when, under the embargo, Blues signed Kristian Pedersen from Union Berlin for £2m.

Blues insist they are complying with the terms of the Football League’s business plan after the embargo was imposed.

They have taken legal advice and are expected to fight their corner at a date provisionally set for February.

The final punishment will then be decided by an independent panel, with the potential deduction due to be imposed this season if there is no appeal.

Blues have performed well so far but are starting to feel the strain with injuries taking a toll on their small squad.

And Blues could lose two members of their Under-23s’ squad amid continued uncertainty over their contractual situation.

Cameron McGlip and Michael Luyambula joined the club in the summer but they were only able to sign short-term deals.

Those contracts come to an end shortly and because Blues are operating within an EFL-imposed business plan they are not sure whether they are able to offer the rookies new ones.

Midfielder McGlip and goalkeeper Luyambula have done well for Richard Beale’s squad this term and the club are keen on retaining their services.

But there is a fear that a lack of clarity on the issue could see both move on as Blues await guidance from the governing body.

Glasgow-born McGilp grew up in Australia having previously been with Melbourne Victory until May 2018.

Luyambula, who also signed in August, is a product of German side Borussia Dortmund’s Academy and was a regular for their U19s.

He has spent time out on loan with non-League club Hungerford Town.