Birmingham City were docked nine points last week for breaching EFL financial regulations.

That effectively killed off Garry Monk’s side’s chances of a late play-off dash, and instead rooted them firmly in what could well be a relegation battle for the final eight games.

Birmingham have moved from 50 points down to 41, dropping down from 13th place in the standings to 18th.

The points came off after breaking Profitability and Sustainability regulations.

After the deduction was confirmed and implemented by the EFL, a statement was released offering reasons as to their decision and explaining that Birmingham had breached the allowed losses over a three-year period – by almost £10million.

An EFL spokesman said: “The Profitability and Sustainability Rules, aligned with those in the Premier League, became effective in 2015/16.

“Season 2017/18 was the end of the first full reporting period with Birmingham City the only Club found to have breached those requirements when it incurred adjusted losses of £48.787 million, £9.787 million in excess of the permitted losses.

“The Disciplinary Commission had the opportunity to consider all relevant factors in reaching its determination, including the Club’s mitigation.

"An independent Disciplinary Commission, appointed under EFL Regulations, has today ruled that Birmingham City will be deducted nine points as a result of a breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.”

The statement added: "It follows a review of the financial submission from Birmingham City for the three-year period 2015/16 to 2017/18 where it was determined the Club had recorded losses in excess of the £39.0m upper loss threshold.

"On 14 August 2018, the Club was charged with a breach of those Rules. At a hearing on 18 March 2019, the Club pleaded guilty to the charge, and after hearing representations from both parties, the panel has fully considered the matter and ruled a nine-point deduction is appropriate, which will take effect in the current season.

"The parties have 14 days in which to appeal the decision, and in the circumstances, no further comment will be made.

The verdict

You can’t really argue with the facts, here.

When you look at it – it could be seen as generous that Birmingham only got docked nine points.

The EFL looked to have issued a punishment fit for the league and not for the crime, as the maximum 12 points would have had a significant bearing in the league at the bottom of the table.

But that has been avoided, with the Blues five points off the relegation places with eight games left to go.

It’s somewhat of a stay of execution for Monk’s men after the facts make for worse reading that the punishment suggests.

Safety is still in their own hands after entering into a battle against the drop for a third successive season.