Derby County have applied to enter administration amid a major financial crisis for England's two-time champion club.
The tier-two Championship club, currently managed by former England superstar Wayne Rooney, issued a statement on Friday, saying that the directors "had no choice but to make the tough decision" to file notice to appoint administrators.
The Rams said the move was due to "a number of developments", including a failure to identify new owners and the continuing impact of COVID-19 on revenue streams.
The statement read: "Last week, it became clear that the process which has been underway to identify a purchaser for the club likely would not be productive over the near term, despite the number of negotiations with credible parties.
"Because the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the revenues and profits of all of its businesses, the club has been unable to service its day-to-day financial obligations. The directors had no choice but to make the tough decision to take this action and protect the Club."
County, winners of the English title twice in the 1970s in a glorious era instituted by the great Brian Clough, were already facing separate points penalties for prior breaches of Financial Fair Play rules and are now set for a mandatory 12-point deduction once they officially enter administration.
The club, though, could conceivably appeal, citing extenuating circumstances, given their insistence that their plight has been a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Australian Associated Press
