Blackpool's Championship rivals Derby County slapped with another points deduction - here's why

The Rams were docked 12 points earlier in the season after former owner Mel Morris placed the club into administration.

The administrators intended to appeal that decision, but the EFL has since confirmed Derby have agreed to dismiss that appeal.

The beleaguered Pride Park outfit have now been hit with a new nine-point deduction for breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

This takes their total penalty to -21 for the season, leaving them bottom of the table on -3 and 18 points from safety.

A statement from the EFL read: “The EFL has today confirmed that Derby County Football Club has received a nine-point sporting sanction with a further three points suspended after admitting to breaches of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) rules.

“This matter has been determined under the terms of an ‘agreed decision’ reached between the League and the club and was formally ratified by an independent disciplinary commission chair as per the requirements of EFL regulations.

“The club, via its administrators, has also agreed, following last week’s adjournment, to the dismissal of its appeal against the 12-point deduction imposed as a consequence of the club entering administration in September 2021, meaning that the sanction continues to apply.

“The new nine-point penalty has been applied immediately, resulting in the club having been deducted a total of 21 points from this season’s 2021/22 Championship table.

“The suspended three-point deduction will take effect if the club does not comply with the terms of the budget as set out in the ‘agreed decision’ for the remainder of season 2021/22.

“Both decisions are now final and are not subject to any further rights of appeal under EFL regulations. “

Trevor Birch, EFL chief executive, added: “The EFL’s objective throughout this ongoing process has been to ensure that the principles of the regulations were upheld on behalf of all clubs.

“In order to assess the sporting sanction that was applicable to apply to these breaches, previous P&S cases have been carefully reviewed and guidance taken from them. The EFL has also considered the P&S sanction guidelines as well as mitigation put forward by the club.

“Given the complex circumstances of the case and the various outstanding regulatory issues between the EFL and Derby County, the League is satisfied at the agreed outcome and the sensible approach taken by both parties in negotiating this outcome and in respect of the appeal withdrawal.

“Our focus is to continue to work with the joint administrators to assist them in securing a long-term future for the club.”

The Seasiders make the trip to Pride Park next month.

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