Derby are facing the prospect of relegation from the Sky Bet Championship after accepting a points deduction that now stands at -21.

The club's administrators have agreed another deduction of nine points, plus a further suspended three points, for historical financial breaches under former owner Mel Morris.

Sliding into administration had already resulted in the loss of 12 points, leaving the Rams on -3 and marooned at the bottom of the table with relegation to League One looking inevitable.

Trevor Birch, the EFL chief executive 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."

Birch continued: "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."