Derby insist EFL charge is unlawful

DERBY COUNTY have launched an extraordinary attack on the EFL by claiming they have acted ‘unlawfully’ in charging the club with breaking spending rules. The Championship outfit have gone on the offensive after being charged on Wednesday — saying they will contest the EFL’s right to even bring such a charge against them. If an independent panel ultimately finds in favour of the EFL, Derby — captained by former England skipper Wayne Rooney — face a deduction of up to 21 points. The EFL’s case rests on their belief that Derby’s Pride Park stadium was over-valued when it was sold for £80million in June 2018 to an outside company controlled by County owner Mel Morris. They also question how Derby have valued some of their players in their annual accounts (player amortisation). Derby say they

Captain: Rooney has joined Derby this season GETTY IMAGES acted within the rules and that they were given the green light by the EFL. A Derby statement read: ‘As a matter of law, the EFL is not entitled to bring either of the charges, having agreed to the arrangements surrounding the stadium sale. The club shall argue that the very bringing of the charges is unlawful. ‘At all times, the club has acted transparently with the EFL in its submissions for both FFP/ P&S and, in respect of the charges above, had received written approval for all of its submissions in respect of this legislation. ‘No allegation has been raised to the contrary by the EFL. Rather, the EFL now claims that it made a “mistake”. The stadium transaction and valuation were discussed extensively with the EFL executive, which asked for a relatively modest price adjustment which was accepted. The club shall therefore vigorously contest the charges and the EFL’s legal right to bring them.’ Privately, the EFL acknowledge that they originally gave Derby the green light but have changed their position on legal advice. The EFL has not yet responded to Sportsmail’s request for a comment.