Nottingham Forest's bitter rivals Derby County could be subjected to severe punishment following a watershed moment for the Championship yesterday.
Birmingham City became the first club to be punished for breaking the EFL's profit and sustainability rules, landing a nine-point deduction in the process, although they did escape a fine and transfer embargo.
The Blues fell from 13th to 18th in the Championship and are now not far away from being dragged into the relegation battle despite a strong season under Garry Monk.
The Rams could now become the next team to be subjected to the same sort of treatment, alongside Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, according to Mail Online.
Frank Lampard's men are vying for a place in the play-offs with the Reds but have been criticised for over-spending in their effort to get promoted and are reportedly making major monthly losses under owner Mel Morris.
EFL Rules state that clubs within the league are not permitted to exceed losses in excess of £39m, or £13m a season, over a three-year period. Should the Rams be found guilty of breaking those rules, they too could potentially suffer the similar fate to that of Birmingham.
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The EFL met at the City Ground this week and the discussion reportedly descended into arguments, with Derby's name being mentioned at the top of the list of those clubs who could potentially have ignored the rules.
The Rams have declined to comment but insiders insist that they will not be found guilty of breaching financial fair play rules.
It was reported earlier this week that Morris was willing to sell Derby in an effort to rectify the situation for just £1.
One source speaking to the Mail Online said: "There were heated exchanges at Forest this week. The bigger clubs want change, for obvious reasons, but understandably the smaller clubs who are operating within the rules are less than sympathetic."
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The Rams currently sit eighth in the Championship table, only one point behind the play-offs, albeit with a game in hand on the rest of the chasing pack.
The cut off for sanctions to come into effect this season is March 28.
