EFL tells Championship clubs they could face a 21 point deduction for breaching Financial Fair PlayÂ

The new guidelines came into place following an EFL meeting on Thursday and will see the current 12-point deduction increased to 21 points if a breach is seen as '˜aggravated'.

Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City are among the clubs that suffered from transfer embargos over the summer because they had broken FFP rules.

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The sanctions might not end there for the Blues however, as the Times report that they are facing a 15 point deduction for signing Kristian Pedersen.

An EFL spokesperson said: "The EFL presented to Championship clubs the sporting sanction its board would be seeking against any club found to be in breach of its profitability and sustainability rules.

"This included a points deduction, with reductions available dependent on the level of the breach. Aggravating factors will also be taken into consideration, resulting in potential further punishment.

"Any final sanction will remain a matter for an independent disciplinary commission to determine, who have a full range of penalties available to them.

"Clubs found to be in breach and referred to a commission will be given the opportunity to put forward their case in mitigation."