Liverpool are likely to face a nine-point deduction if its parent company Kop Holdings goes into administration next week, BBC Sport understands.
League rules say a points deduction can be used if a parent company insolvency is caused by the club's management.
Sources suggest owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett would struggle to argue that the running of the football club had not affected the holding company.
Liverpool could enter administration if a sale is not agreed by 15 October.
More to follow.
