The English Football League are said to be exploring changes with regards to how they punish clubs who fall into administration.
A report in The Sun on Sunday claims that the league are looking at proposals that would discourage attempts by clubs to appeal the automatic 12-point deduction.
Such an instance occurred with Championship side Derby County earlier this season. The Rams were placed into administration and were immediately docked 12 points but have since appealed the decision.
It is reported that one of the options the EFL is considering is to make the administrators personally responsible for the legal fees that are required to make an appeal.
That would mean them paying a fee of around £300,000 directly, rather than the amount coming from club funds.
In addition, it is reported that the league are also considering handing out extra points deductions, on top of the 12-point docking, for spurious claims.
That would perhaps make teams think twice before trying their luck. The report adds that adding a further six points for such instances "has a lot of backing within the ranks of chairmen and executives".
An independent disciplinary commission is considering Derby's case and a decision on the outcome is expected next month.
Wayne Rooney's side are bottom of the second tier on five points - seven adrift of safety. The prospect of their deduction being reduced will give them a huge boost as they look to beat the odds and preserve their Championship status.
The club are hopeful of a takeover finally being completed soon and prospective new owner Chris Kirchner was in attendance for their 2-1 loss against Blackburn Rovers at Pride Park on Saturday.
The American businessman tweeted after the game: “Not the result we wanted… good to see the grit from the team in the second half and came very close to stealing a poor (point) at the end. See you again soon @dcfcofficial!!”
Boss Rooney has spoken with the tycoon and said of his visit: "I think it is good, it's a positive for everyone that they can see signs that things are getting sorted out and moving forward.
"I spoke to him this morning, I met him this morning. Conversations have gone well.
"So obviously it is on the people above me then now to hopefully get things sorted, on the administrators, the EFL, all that will be in place, I'm sure. Hopefully, we can get things sorted as quickly as possible."
Derby travel to fellow strugglers Barnsley on Wednesday night.
