Talks ongoing to finally end long-running saga
DERBY County are reportedly in talks with the Football League over an “agreed sanction” relating to financial breaches.
According to Daily Telegraph journalist John Percy, the EFL is pushing for a nine-point deduction with another three suspended.
But Derby, who are under a transfer embargo, have insisted their accounting policy is “fair” and both sides are determined to find a quick resolution. The news comes after a fifth charge by the EFL relating to late payment of transfer instalments was dropped.
That reportedly related to a late payment to Arsenal for Krystian Bielik but the matter has been resolved.
Derby must now choose whether to agree to a points deduction or fight it in what is part of a long-running battle with the EFL that has lasted more than a year.
In early 2020, the Rams were originally cleared of breaching spending rules.
But the EFL challenged the club’s accounting policies which resulted in a £100,000 fine this summer. As part of that sanction, Derby were then told to resubmit three years of accounts.
Both sides are now keen to avoid another lengthy legal battle in a bid to end the long-running dispute.
Amid growing unrest at Pride Park, Derby fans have demanded answers from the club’s owner Mel
Morris and the directors over the club’s finances.
Derby have seen two potential takeover deals collapse, although they are said to be in talks with an American consortium.
The identities of those within the American group remain unknown. Supporters group RamsTrust, in a letter sent to Morris and the board this week demanded they ‘front up’ to supporters amid the ongoing concerns regarding the club’s finances.
And Rams boss Wayne Rooney said he understood the supporters’ frustrations.
He said: “I think what’s important from my point of view is the fans have been excellent, right behind the team, right behind the players.
“The noise they’re making, you can feel the enthusiasm and they can see the players working for them and the energy and the effort the players are putting in, the fans can see that.
“So, we, as a coaching staff and a group of players, we know the fans are right behind us.
“In terms of the questions, which I’m sure everyone’s asking, the fans are asking. I’m asking those questions myself of the people above me.
“Unfortunately, I can’t give an answer to them, I wish I could. But from a playing point of view and a players point of view, get behind us.
“We’re giving everything we can for this club, everything to try and get positive results and we will need to the fans right behind us.”