Blues could be kicked out of Europe

Birmingham could be kicked out of Europe next season if they cannot prove their finances are stable - as Carson Yeung increased his stake in the club's parent company.

The Premier League and FA are set to meet the Blues board this month before deciding whether to grant the Carling Cup winners a UEFA licence for the Europa League.

UEFA delegates the licences to national associations, meaning Blues need to convince the FA and Premier League they are financially secure for next year.

The news comes as owner Yeung bought a further 8.6 per cent of Birmingham International Holdings, Blues' parent company, to increase his share to 25 per cent.

Yeung loaned Blues £4million to help them through this season and meet several liabilities.

Under disclosure rules clubs must submit "independently audited accounts to the Premier League by March 1 each year with the requirement to note any material qualifications or issues raised by auditors."

Blues' accounts included qualifications in their audit reports about both the club's and BIH's ability to continue as a "going concern" the Premier League want to investigate further.