Leicester City will start next season in the Championship—and possibly with a points deduction. The Premier League has charged the club with violating EFL financial rules for 2023/24, and an independent commission will now decide.
Things could get even worse for Leicester City after their relegation from the English top flight. The Foxes have been charged by the Premier League for alleged breaches during the 2023/24 promotion season.
No consequences for 2022/23
On Tuesday, the arbitration tribunal in England ruled that the Premier League could not charge Leicester City for breaches of the profit and sustainability rules from the 2022/23 season because the Foxes were relegated at the end of the season. At the same time, however, it was also decided that the Premier League could take action against violations of the EFL financial rules from the 2023/24 promotion season.
This is exactly what the league is now doing, referring the case to an independent commission. In addition to the allegation of a breach of financial regulations in the lower house, there are two further alleged breaches: The Foxes are said to have failed to submit their annual accounts to the Premier League by December 31, 2024. The club is also accused of failing to comply with its obligation to respond to inquiries from the league in full and without delay.
Leicester wants to “act cooperatively”
In a statement, the Foxes initially expressed their delight at the decision that they cannot be charged for the 2023 financial year. Looking ahead to the following season, the club said: “In line with its previous commitments, the club intends to act cooperatively now that the Premier League’s jurisdiction has been established for the period up to the end of the 2024 financial year.”
In the worst case, Leicester City could face a points deduction, which, according to the rules, could also apply to the upcoming second division season. The Premier League last imposed point deductions in the 2023/24 season. At that time, Everton were deducted six points for a breach of the profit and sustainability rules, and Nottingham Forest were deducted four points a few months later for a similar breach.
