EFL release two fixtures lists for Derby in Championship and League One as relegation threat looms over financial issues
DERBY COUNTY have been handed an ‘interchangeable’ fixture list as the Championship side STILL face the threat of relegation to League One.
It means they’ve been lined up for games in BOTH divisions.
Derby avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, finishing one point above Wycombe.
But their survival was achieved under the cloud of financial irregularities.
Wayne Rooney’s Rams were handed a £100,000 fine following an investigation.
However, that punishment could extend to a points deduction on last season’s total, pending the outcome of an appeal.
Last month, the EFL won an appeal to have a disciplinary commission against Derby before an independent body opted to hand out a fine instead of a points deduction.
That decision can still be appealed by the EFL meaning the possibility of a points deduction remains.
Sheffield Wednesday were handed a 12-point deduction last year for breaking spending rules.
That was later reduced to six and Wycombe will argue that Derby deserve similar treatment.
In that scenario, Derby’s fixture list will be interchangeable with League One side Wycombe.
An EFL statement said: “The EFL can confirm that it has developed an interchangeable fixture list for Derby County and Wycombe Wanderers, while the disciplinary process is finalised.
“The fixture list for both the Championship and League One will be published in full based on the 2020/21 final standings, pending any appeals relating to this decision.”
Derby will currently host Huddersfield in their opening Championship fixture while Wycombe take on Accrington Stanley in League One.
Both league’s get started on the weekend of August 7, meaning there is just over six weeks to resolve Derby’s future.
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