EFL chief executive Trevor Birch insists his organisation does not hold a "vendetta" against stricken Derby County.
The Championship side are in dire straits off the pitch, with the club having been in administration since September.
They have seen a number of prospective takeovers fall through and their financial situation means they have had to let four players depart the club in the past week.
In a lengthy statement that addresses a number of issues involving the EFL and Derby, Birch has sought to put the record straight. He insists that the EFL is committed to resolving “a complex legal position".
He said: "Suggestions the EFL want Derby County relegated or expelled are completely fabricated and entirely false....
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"The EFL has no vendetta against any of its member clubs."
The administrators at Derby are said to be in talks with three potential buyers but have been unable to name a preferred bidder due to the threat of legal action against Derby by two other clubs - Middlesbrough and Wycombe.
Mike Ashley, the former Newcastle owner, is weighing up a move for the club.
In a statement taking the form of a Q&A, including 11 separate points, Birch said: "It is understood that Derby County fans will be concerned at developments at their Club, but equally the League must consider the interests of all other Clubs.
"Clearly there is a balance between investment into our Clubs and not stifling ambition, but that cannot be at any cost. That is why financial rules are in place that all Clubs agree to, and the EFL are tasked with upholding and sanctioning any breaches."
Derby were handed two separate points deductions this season, totalling 21 points. That included 12 for entering administration and nine for a breach of accounting policies.
There is a real worry among County fans over the club's long-term future.
In another point, the EFL notes that an extension was given to the club's administrators in terms of being able to prove they have enough funds to carry the team through until the end of the campaign, should a buyer not materialise.
Birch added: "Last week the EFL asked the administrators for updated details on how the club plans to continue to trade whilst in administration, including a funding plan that will enable it to complete the current season and all remaining fixtures in the 2021/22 campaign.
"The response was to highlight the specific figure Derby County needed in order to fulfil its fixture obligations for the remainder of 2021/22 and whilst potential funding options were tabled by the administrators, they could not give the necessary assurances that the funding was guaranteed to enable the club to finish the season.
"As a consequence, the League made the decision that the club should not be permitted to register any new players until the necessary funding was in place. The deadline for provision of the funded plans was further extended to 1 February 2022."
Last week saw Derby lose a quartet of senior players. Two were sold on - David Marshall to QPR and Graeme Shinnie to Wigan - whilst Sam Baldock and Phil Jagielka left the club after their short-term deals expired, with the club unable to extend them.
Those departures will have boosted the coffers in terms of transfer fees being brought in and wages being saved. But it further depletes an already small squad at manager Wayne Rooney's disposal.
Rooney himself is believed to be on the shortlist of former club Everton, who are in need of a new manager after axing Rafael Benitez at the weekend.
With 18 months remaining on his contract, Rooney would command a big fee should the Toffees pursue the 36-year-old.
Thankfully for Derby fans, Rooney and his players are making a mockery of the off-field dramas.
His side's win over Sheffield United last weekend was a fourth victory in five league games and despite their huge handicap, they are within eight points of safety.
