Concerned with envoys; downgrades (9)

I believe the answer is:

relegates

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'downgrades' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't see how one could define the other.

'concerned with envoys' is the wordplay.
'concerned with' becomes 're' (re can mean regarding, concerning).
'envoys' becomes 'legates' (legate is a kind of envoy).
're'+'legates'='RELEGATES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for relegates that I've seen before include "Demotes" , "Transfers (team) to a lower league" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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