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Derby have confirmed they have been hit by a further nine-point sporting sanction, meaning they have now been deducted a total of 21 points this season. The Rams are now facing the unthinkable prospect of relegation to League One, just two-and-a-half years after falling short in the Championship play-off final under Frank Lampard.
Wayne Rooney's Derby have been deducted a further nine points (Image: GETTY)
Derby are now on -3 points, some 18 adrift of Peterborough (15) in 21st position outside of the drop zone.
Rooney's men have won just three of their 17 matches so far this season, drawing nine, meaning they have accumulated a total of 18 points, which would have seen them sat in 20th, just one position above the drop zone.
The decision all but confirms the Rams' place in League One for next season, although there are still plenty of points to play for.
Chief Executive of the EFL Trevor Birch said: “The EFL’s objective throughout this ongoing process has been to ensure that the principles of the regulations were upheld on behalf of all clubs.
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"In order to assess the sporting sanction that was applicable to apply to these breaches, previous P&S cases have been carefully reviewed and guidance taken from them. The EFL has also considered the P&S sanction guidelines as well as mitigation put forward by the club.
“Given the complex circumstances of the case and the various outstanding regulatory issues between the EFL and Derby County, the League is satisfied at the agreed outcome and the sensible approach taken by both parties in negotiating this outcome and in respect of the appeal withdrawal.
"Our focus is to continue to work with the joint administrators to assist them in securing a long-term future for the club.”
Carl Jackson, Quantuma Joint Administrator, later added: “This has been a difficult matter to navigate bearing in mind the various issues concerned.
"Whilst point deductions are never ideal for any Club, it was critical to the Club’s future that all matters were concluded between the EFL and the Club in relation to historical issues. This conclusion allows us to proceed with our restructuring strategy for the Club with prospective interested parties.”
An Agreed Decision has been reached with the @EFL and all proceedings have been concluded.#DCFC
Derby now look set to be relegated to League One following their latest points deduction (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United and England legend Rooney barely had a squad ahead of the club's Championship opener back in August due to the club's financial difficulties.
The club were only able to sign free agents and loan players due to their struggles but Rooney refused to walk away from the role, instead vowing to fight on.
Derby were finally able to fill their 23-man quota of players with the acquisition of former United, West Ham and QPR midfielder Ravel Morrison.