Rotherham United have been docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.
During their 1-0 victory on April 6, manager Steve Evans selected defender Farrend Rawson despite his youth loan from Derby County having expired and the necessary paperwork required for an extension not being confirmed.
The Championship outfit were soon sanctioned by the Football League, and after a three-man panel met to discuss their punishment, it was decided that the Millers would have three points deducted from their current total.
Rotherham had been four points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand, but they now sit just one point above Millwall and two in front of 23rd-placed Wigan Athletic.
The club plan to appeal the decision before the deadline of May 1.