A nine-point deduction has concluded what has been a torrid couple of weeks for the Midlands club – who were in sight of the play-off places.

The punishment from the EFL comes after City were the first club penalised for breaking the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules which were introduced in the summer of 2017.

The fact of the matter is, after such hard work in recent months, Birmingham’s season of promise has fallen flat.

Three recent defeats, against the likes of their fierce rivals Aston Villa, followed by the deduction mean the Blues’ drop from 13th place to 18th and lie just five points above the dreaded relegation zone.

It has been a similar story for the club in recent years after avoiding relegation on the final day in two of the past three seasons, though they are more than capable enough of climbing back up the table.

With the EFL tightening their rules on a number of matters of late, the question is if this is the sign of things to come and are other clubs in danger of such punishments?

The facts behind the figures

The Championship is now considered one of the most lucrative leagues in the world, though the difference from the top of the league to the bottom can be pretty staggering at times.

Relegated Premier League sides still receive parachute payments when they enter the Championship – a unique scheme which sees clubs receive a percentage of their final earnings from the Premier League when they are relegated.

These payments last up to three seasons meaning there is a gulf in the spending capabilities in the Championship which results in some clubs spending astronomical amounts while others try to bridge the gap.

Recent transfer windows may make bad reading for the City faithful, as a number of different managers have brought new faces into the club.

The EFL reports say the Blues suffered losses of just under £50 million in the last three years, with the accepted guideline being anything under £39 million.

Previously, in January, the club revealed a £37.5 million loss in the last year, mainly because of the rise in wages from a drive in recruitment..

Who’s to blame?

The spending and finances of the club have clearly risen through the aim for success after a hard few years on the field.

Ambitions have been there to be met, and Gary Monk definitely seemed to be turning the tide before the recent blow.

However, four permanent managers in the last three years have all tried to put their own print on the playing squad – the constant turnover of bosses seemingly having a key effect in the club’s losses.

The likes of Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp both brought in numerous targets in transfer windows, and many people are quick to point out the latter’s history of so-called ‘dodgy dealings’.

Despite being a much-loved English manager, the fate of Redknapp’s former clubs follows a similar pattern.

Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers endured similar problems after Harry’s management, though in many interviews he claims to have no part in the signings and what goes on at board level at the clubs.

The first of many cases?

Since the decision to dock Gary Monk’s side of valuable points many other clubs have been rumoured to face such punishments.

Time will tell for the likes of Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby to see if they face any sanctions, though the stark realisation is now apparent that this is a great risk to many clubs.