Birmingham City are set to be handed a nine point deduction over their breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations, it has been reported.

According to TalkSport, that deduction who also say that the punishment will take immediate effect, once it has been confirmed.

Once confirmed, the deduction would see The Blues drop from thirteenth in the table with 50 points - seven short of the play-offs, to 18th in the table with 41 points - five clear of the relegation zone.

With that in mind, is this a fair punishment for Birmingham, and what would it mean for them this season?

We asked out writers for their thoughts on the news:

Jay Taylor

"This is pretty damaging for Birmingham.

"But it isn’t as bad as it could have been. Nine points gives them a small cushion over the team’s fighting at the bottom of the league.

"It remains to be seen how they react to the deduction, but it could have been worse."

Gary Hutchinson

“Personally, I think it’s harsh. The EFL punish clubs for overspending, but do little to stop bad owners bleeding a club dry.

“Charlton and Blackpool have seen owners take money out and have suffered no sanctions. Birmingham leave their money in the game and get fined.

“Utter madness.”

Toby Wilding

"A five point buffer to the relegation zone should be enough to avoid at major concern for Birmingham, though a final three games that sees them face Rotherham; Wigan and Reading could yet put the pressure on.

"One positive about it taking immediate effect is that it allows The Blues to launch a fresh assault on the playoffs next year, with their hopes for this season already disappearing after three straight defeats, assuming that five point gap is indeed enough."

Alfie Burns

“It’s a clever decision.

“This isn’t going to send Birmingham down but it is a statement to the rest of the Championship.

“Of course, Monk will be glad he’s got points already on the board, but it isn’t going to make too much difference this season.”