Leicester City faces the possibility of a points deduction following a referral by the Premier League to an independent commission on Thursday, citing purported violations of the league’s profit and sustainability regulations. According to a statement released by the Premier League, Leicester, having been relegated to the Championship in the previous season, failed to furnish their audited financial accounts as required.
“The alleged breach pertains to the evaluation period concluding Season 2022-23, during which the club maintained its status as a member of the Premier League,” the statement clarified.
“The adjudication process will adhere to a schedule determined by the independent commission.”
In the event of culpability, Leicester could join Everton and Nottingham Forest as the third club to incur a points deduction for contravening Premier League expenditure regulations. The league mandates that clubs must not exceed a cumulative loss of £105 million ($133.6m) over a three-year span.
Expressing surprise and disappointment, Leicester responded to the league’s decision to press charges despite the club’s non-membership in the Premier League.
“LCFC remains prepared and willing to collaborate constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to pursue the appropriate resolution of any potential charges through the designated channels and at the appropriate juncture,” the club stated.
“The club continues to seek informed guidance regarding its stance and, if necessary, will mount a defense against any illegitimate actions by football governing bodies that seek to assert jurisdiction where it is unwarranted.”
Currently positioned second in the Championship, level on points with table-toppers Leeds United, Leicester is actively striving for promotion back to the Premier League. Ipswich trails by a point but is outside the automatic promotion slots, although Leicester maintains a game in hand over them.
Should Leicester fall short of securing promotion this season, any prospective points deduction would apply within the Championship. Given the time required for the independent commission to conclude its investigation, the likelihood of a deduction materializing this season appears remote.
In a similar vein, defending champions Manchester City were subjected to an independent commission’s scrutiny last year for allegedly committing over 100 breaches of financial regulations. However, no verdict has been reached in that matter as of yet.