Derby County may begin next season still unaware of their possible EFL sanctions.

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That's according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the independent disciplinary commission, which will hear the case regarding Derby's accounting irregularities, will not meet for at least a fortnight.

The report goes on to state that, upon the verdict of the hearing, the Rams are almost certain to lodge an appeal, which could then lead to a legal case that drags on for months.

It is also claimed that, should the panel determine that Derby's alleged accounting errors mean that the club broke the EFL's Profit and Sustainability rules, they would most likely be hit with a significant point deduction, but when they'll find out confirmation of what that deduction will be is very much up in the air.

Morris will be livid

This news would not be good to learn at the best of times for a football club, let alone one that is currently in talks regarding a takeover.

Indeed, with Derby's future appearing incredibly uncertain at present, a situation that does not look like changing anytime soon, Mel Morris could well find that any potential suitors hold off on finalising a bid while they wait and see just how badly the Rams will be hit by the disciplinary commission.

The fact that a resolution will not be found for a number of months is also likely to have a negative impact on the club in the upcoming transfer window, as, should Derby indeed be handed a substantial points deduction, their chances of relegation would dramatically increase ahead of next season, something that will undoubtedly put players off of a move to Pride Park.

These eventualities are sure to leave Morris livid, as the businessman is reported to be desperate to sell the club as, recently, he has personally been paying the club's £1.2m monthly wage bill due to the Rams' dire financial situation.

However, unfortunately for Morris, Wayne Rooney and the Derby County fans, there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for the Rams just yet, with what would seem to be an extremely tough few months ahead of the club still to come.

In other news: Derby transfer update emerges on "fantastic" £7.9k-p/w machine, Rooney will be gutted - opinion