Aston Villa rivals Birmingham City referred to EFL disciplinary commission

£2 million left-back Kristian Pedersen apparently was an illegal signing for Blues, who, at the time, were under an EFL-sanctioned transfer embargo for extreme losses over a three-year period.

Birmingam City could face an unprecedented 12-point league deduction for the complicit breaking of EFL Financial Fair Play laws. Blues, under (still under?) a transfer embargo this summer, made five signings, mostly of the loan/free agent variety.

Manager Garry Monk has mustered four draws out of the club through six matches – good enough to reside just outside of the relegation zone.

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But any points deduction, let alone a massive 12-point, would be enough to bury Blues to League One. Birmingham’s owners are confident of avoiding such drastic measures, but surely fines and other disciplinary are in order.

The EFL’s subjective and questionable policies continue to haunt all clubs outside the Premier League. It’s truly a case of the haves vs. the have nots when it comes to policing financial restrictions in England’s top four flights.

It’s difficult to forecast what measures will be taken, but an actual points deduction seems unlikely. The sanction might be more for show, after the EFL “was furious” at Birmingham City for signing a player with costs under a ‘soft’ embargo.

Stuff like this isn’t good for the league, it isn’t good for English Football, nor is it good for Aston Villa. Even our traditional rivals don’t deserve ridiculous penalties for marginally spending above their means.

In related Villa news, 8 senior first-team players are currently with their respective national teams.

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