March 22 – Following in the footsteps of Premier League clubs Everton and Nottingham Forest, tier-2 frontrunners Leicester City could be the latest team to be sanctioned for overspending as part of the ongoing crackdown at the top of English football.
The Premier League said Leicester has been referred to an independent commission for an alleged breach of the competition’s profitability and sustainability rules during their previous seasons in the top flight. The period in question is the three years up to and including the 2022-23 season. No figures were released.
Everton and Forest have already been punished, with Everton deducted 10 points, reduced to six on appeal, and Forest four points this week, dropping into the relegation zone as a result. Everton also face a second case that is being heard before the end of the season.
Leicester are now in the Championship following relegation last season and currently second in the table on goal difference, but with a match in hand on first-place Leeds.
The club also faces a financial investigation from the English Football League, which runs the three divisions below the Premier League.
Leicester said it was “surprised at the actions the Premier League has taken.”
“The club is extremely disappointed that the Premier League has chosen to charge LCFC now, despite the club’s efforts to engage constructively with the Premier League in relation to the matters that are the subject of this charge, even though LCFC is not currently a Premier League club,” it said.
“LCFC remains willing and eager to engage constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek the proper resolution of any potential charges, by the right bodies, and at the right time.”
Leicester said the club has “repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the (spending) rules through its operating model over a considerable period, achieving compliance while pursuing sporting ambitions.”
“As we continue to represent the club’s position, we will continue to fight for the right of all clubs to pursue their ambitions,” the statement continued, “particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement.”
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