Birmingham and a ‘number of individuals’ charged by EFL with ‘rule breaches’ over failed takeover involving Maxi Lopez

BIRMINGHAM CITY and a "number of individuals" have been charged by the English Football League with alleged rule breaches.

SunSport understands the latest controversy to hit the Championship club centres around the failed takeover bid by Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez, which collapsed in December after five months of talks.

Former AC Milan and Barcelona striker Lopez and fashion industry businessman Richardson fronted a consortium bid to buy Blues from current owners BSHL.

However they pulled the plug after their company Maxco Capital was unable to agree terms after being granted exclusivity to complete a takeover in the summer.

Now the EFL has revealed an investigation into 'a takeover bid,' has produced "sufficient evidence" to issue misconduct charges against the club and individuals.

Those charges allege that a number of people were allowed to act as 'relevant persons' without EFL approval.

There are also charges alleging the passing over of control of the club happened without requisite approval.

The multiple cases will be referred to an independent disciplinary commission and the EFL have said they will make no further comment.

Birmingham have been owned by China-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited since 2016.

The EFL has not confirmed the identities of anyone involved in the case however SunSport understands the EFL had concerns over statements made by 'lifelong Birmingham fan,' Richardson and Lopez at the time of the proposed takeover in July.

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They sought clarification over their claims that the takeover would be completed "within three weeks." 

Images of the pair welcoming new signings to St Andrew's which appeared on Sky TV - before they had passed the EFL's Owners' and Directors' test.

Last night the club issued a short statement which said: "Birmingham City acknowledges the decision of the EFL and its charges of the Club with alleged breaches of EFL Regulations following the conclusion of its investigation into the proposed acquisition of Control.

"The multiple matters will now be referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.

"No further comment will be made."

The league has not disclosed the sanctions it wants to impose on Blues if they are found guilty of breaching their rules but points deductions and heavy fines are some of the punishments available to them.