Birmingham City charged by EFL following misconduct

Birmingham City Football Club and a “number of other individuals” have been charged today (February 20) by the English Football League with alleged breaches of regulations.

Following an investigation into the proposed acquisition of the club the EFL has determined there is “sufficient evidence” to issue various charges of misconduct.

These charges relate to a number of people acting as “relevant persons” without the EFL’s approval, as well as some individuals that acquired control of the club – also without the necessary approval.

The matters have now been referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission. The EFL says it will not be making any further comment.

Birmingham City released in a statement that it, “acknowledges the decision of the EFL and its charges of the Club with alleged breaches of EFL Regulations following the conclusion of its investigation into the proposed acquisition of control”.

It also will not be making any other statements.

Former Barcelona and AC Milan player, Maxi Lopez, along with Paul Richardson, an ex-director of Gymshark, stepped in to buy Blues after Laurence Bassini’s takeover bid collapsed in July.

They arrived surrounded by press at St Andrew’s where Richardson confirmed that contracts had been exchanged and a deposit had been paid to Birmingham Sport Holdings. The takeover then fell through in December.

Blues currently sit 18th in the Championship, just seven points clear of relegation.