The English FA and Premier League are implementing strict measures against clubs that fail to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) Regulations, particularly the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Prominent clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City are under serious threat and face investigations for violating these financial regulations.
Clubs like Nottingham Forest and Everton FC have already faced punishments for their respective breaches of financial regulations, including points deductions. As the Premier League plans to revamp its rules to provide relief to the clubs, Leicester City joins the list of clubs under investigation for alleged breaches of financial rules.
What punishment does Leicester City face over FFP breach?
EFL Championship club Leicester City faces charges of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations during their time in the top division. The club is accused of violating the Profitability and Sustainability Rules by failing to properly account for the 2022/23 season in its financial audit.
The Foxes could face a point deduction, mirroring the experiences of Everton FC—facing a 10-point deduction (later reduced)—and Nottingham Forest, who freshly received a 4-point reduction. Leicester’s case has been referred to an independent commission for further investigation into their compliance with the sustainability rules over their previous three seasons in the EPL.
Leicester City released a statement in response to the charges, labeling them ‘unlawful.’ Stated, “We are extremely disappointed at the timing of the charge and will continue to defend ourselves against any unlawful acts by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot do so.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League’s statement read: “The Premier League has today referred Leicester City FC to an independent commission for an alleged breach of the profitability and sustainability rules and for failing to submit their audited financial accounts.”
It added, “The alleged breach relates to the assessment period ending with the season 2022/23 when the club was a member of the Premier League.”
What are Leicester City’s chances of returning to Premier League?
The 2015/16 Premier League champions, Leicester City, were relegated to the EFL Championship after finishing in 17th place on the Premier League points table last season. Since then, they have been pursuing promotion from the second division of English football to return to the topflight.
The Foxes are currently leading the Championship points table alongside fellow relegated side Leeds United. Both teams are sitting in first and second place, tied on points, with each amassing 82 points so far this season.
They are clear favorites to secure direct promotion with a top-two finish if all goes well.
