BIRMINGHAM FACE 12-POINT PENALTY

BIRMINGHAM could be hit with a 12-point deduction by the English Football League after allegedly breaking Financial Fair Play rules.

The Blues have been referred to a disciplinary commission, which will hear representations from both the club and the EFL.

The EFL said in August it was “exceptionally disappointed” over the £2million signing of Danish left-back Kristian Pedersen while the club was under a transfer embargo.

Birmingham were placed under the embargo after exceeding losses of £39m over a three-year period.

Boss Garry Monk was only allowed to sign five players during the summer window – and all were either free transfers or loans. MANCHESTER CITY are using last season’s heartbreak to push them on to win the Women’s Super League this season.

Nick Cushing’s side lost out to double winners Chelsea with just two games to play in the last campaign but the City boss (left) said: “Not being successful last season is a big motivator for myself and the players.

“The league is the most competitive WSL season there’s ever been. It’s now fully-full time and we want to win silverware.”

City start the new campaign away to Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side, and Cushing admits if his team want to win the title a victory tomorrow is imperative.

“No one has won the Women’s Super League losing more than two games,” he added. “If you lose the first, it doesn’t give you much room moving forward. We have an opportunity here and want to win.”