Derby receive a lifeline as EFL chiefs give them an extra month to save their Championship status following a £1.25m injection… but they may be forced to resolve their future in court amid compensation claims from Middlesbrough and Wycombe
- Derby have extra time to prove they can complete the Championship season
- The EFL initially set a February 1 deadline for them to show proof of funds
- But the governing body are satisfied Derby can at least get through February
- The cash-strapped Rams have been temporarily saved by a £1.25m injection
- But compensation claims from other clubs is affecting their takeover hopes
Derby’s future could be decided in court after the crisis-torn Championship club were given a one-month reprieve by EFL chiefs on Thursday night.
The joint statement from the EFL and administrators Quantuma confirmed Sportsmail‘s report on Wednesday that the club was likely to be granted extra time beyond the initial February 1 deadline to prove they had the funds to complete the season.
The governing body are now satisfied Derby have the finance to get through February after an injection of about £1.25million.
Derby have been given an extra month to prove they can complete the Championship season
Wayne Rooney’s side have received a lifeline following a £1.25million cash injection
Quantuma remain hopeful of naming a preferred bidder before the new March 1 deadline, with former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley one of three parties to have shown interest, although at least one is thought to be wavering amid the lack of clear progress.
One of the main obstacles is the compensation claims made by Middlesbrough and Wycombe relating to the 2018-19 seasons and 2020-21 seasons respectively. These clubs argue that Derby’s breaches of spending rules cost them on the pitch.
With the status of those claims unresolved, one option is for the administrators to request a ruling at the High Court to determine how they should be handled.
Quantuma remain hopeful of naming a preferred bidder before the new March 1 deadline, with former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley one of three parties to have shown interest
Another would be to seek a verdict via an independent arbitration panel, if no resolution can be reached through dialogue.
‘Following a formal review of revised financial forecasts at Derby County, the EFL and Quantuma (the Club Administrators) have today agreed a month-long extension to the deadline set for proof of funding to be provided,’ read the statement.
‘Today’s development will allow the club to meet its ongoing obligations whilst giving a further four weeks to continue the discussions with the interested bidders and relevant stakeholders in respect of a sale, alongside providing additional time to seek clarity on the claims from Middlesbrough and Wycombe.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk