Nottingham Forest's play-off chasing rivals Birmingham City have reportedly been handed an immediate nine points deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules.
The punishment will see Blues, currently in 13th and seven points behind sixth placed Aston Villa, fall to 18th and just five points clear of the bottom three.
Birmingham have been under investigation for their alleged financial wrongdoings for some time and an Independent Disciplinary Commission met on Monday to consider their fate.
Reported losses in excess of £13m per year over a three-year period are not accepted under Football League rules.
It is understood that there will be no further punishment at this stage and the club will have their transfer embargo lifted, allowing them to buy and sell players during this summer's transfer window.
The EFL are yet to officially confirm the points deduction.
