Blues avoid points deduction despite EFL winning appeal

Luton were beaten 2-1 at home by Birmingham City in January

Luton Town's Championship rivals Birmingham City will not be deducted any points despite the English Football League winning its appeal against an independent disciplinary commission's decision to clear the Blues of a misconduct charge.

The charge had been brought against the club in relation to an alleged breach of an agreed business plan that they were originally cleared on March 6, before a new commission was appointed to hear the EFL's appeal.

Birmingham were deducted nine points in March 2019 for breaching the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules, incurring losses of nearly £48.8m between 2015 and 2018 - almost £10m more than the accepted adjusted losses of £39m over a three-year period under EFL rules.

However, this time, they won't face such a penalty as a club statement said: "Blues have been reprimanded by an independent league arbitration panel in relation to a misconduct charge.

"There is, however, no sanction of a points deduction or fine.

"It means the matter is finally closed.

"In March, a case against Blues for an alleged breach of elements of a business plan was dismissed by an independent Disciplinary Commission.

"The EFL appealed the verdict and the appeal was heard yesterday.

"The Arbitration panel found in the EFL's favour.

"The business plan was implemented last season after Blues admitted a breach of Profitability and Sustainability rules, for which we were docked nine points in March 2019."

City now resume their Championship season in 16th place, some 12 points ahead of the Hatters.

Meanwhile, both Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday are waiting to see if they will be charged by the Championship’s governing body over a supposed breach of financial rules.