Sheffield Wednesday’s defence against a misconduct charge over the sale of Hillsborough will be based around the belief that it was approved by the EFL and that the league was aware of the terms and the timing of the deal, The Athletic understands.



The Championship club are facing a severe punishment after being charged with an aggravated breach of the EFL’s spending rules, with owner Dejphon Chansiri and two former directors also in danger of receiving lengthy bans.



A 21-point deduction is considered the likely outcome among some clubs — although others within the game believe that the EFL could even push for Wednesday to face automatic relegation from the Championship and a points deduction from the start of next season if the charge is upheld. The club deny any wrongdoing and will fight any such punishment.



Wednesday are ninth in the Championship at present on 29 points, two points outside the play-offs. A 21-point deduction would drop...