A host of Championship clubs are reportedly set to be investigated by the EFL after grounds were sold in order to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations, report The Times.

The governing body are reportedly set to ask independent property experts to provide valuations of each ground to decide whether the sales to already interested parties were fair.

Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading are the three teams facing scrutiny after their respective grounds were sold  to club owners in order to continue operating within restrictions.

The Rams, for example, sold Pride Park back to owner Mel Morris for a reported £80million to reverse a what would have been a dangerous loss into a profit for the 2017/18 season.

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The investigation will be to see if the stadium is in fact worth £80million or not and if it is found to be significantly less, it is likely that punishments will be dealt out - with a similar process to follow for the Owls and the Royals.

Last season saw Birmingham City become the first team punished in the EFL for breaking the regulations, with the Blues being docked nine points for overspending during previous transfer windows.

The verdict

It is good to see this being investigated.

As much as it was within the rules, you have to admit, it all looked a little bit dodgy. However, if they are found to be worth what they were sold for, then the EFL will have to hold their hands up and admit this is their fault.

But it is a loophole that ultimately must be closed, either way.