Birmingham City are set to be handed a 12-point deduction which could throw them straight into the thick of a relegation battle according to The Daily Mail. 

A hearing is due to be scheduled for today, as lawyers from both Birmingham and the EFL are due to face a disciplinary panel.

Although the verdict isn't confirmed yet, it is understood that the Blues are set to be handed the toughest punishment, after they breached the Financial Fair Play regulations.

If the club were to be handed a 12-point ban, then it would leave Garry Monk's team in real trouble this season, as they would be just two points clear of the relegation zone.

There are sure to be many supporters fearing they could drop into League One if they are handed a points deduction at such a crucial stage of the season.

It is also thought that the Blues are set to be handed a transfer ban as well as the points deduction, in what would be the most severe punishment we have seen in recent seasons over Financial Fair Play.

Last season, Birmingham were hit with a transfer embargo after exceeding the permitted losses of £39m across a three-year-period, but they didn't follow these rules.

They went on to sign Kristian Pedersen soon after, and the EFL are seemingly not pleased by their actions following their transfer embargo.

It's sure to be an interesting week, and Birmingham supporters will be hoping that they can see an improvement with results on the pitch, especially if they are to be thrown into a relegation battle.

The Verdict: 

What a frustrating update this is.

Birmingham will have thought that their season was just fizzling out, but this has thrown it into chaos at the worst possible time.

I think they'll have enough to stay up, but this is far from ideal for everyone associated with the club.