Leicester are bracing themselves for a point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
The Foxes were charged in March with breaching the £105million loss limit for the period ending 2022/23.
A decision, though, was delayed as they challenged the Premier League for charging them while they were in the Championship.
Leicester City eventually won the title in the second tier but now face the threat of losing precious points as they fight to remain in the top-flight.
talkSPORT understands the Foxes fear a six-point penalty could be dished out if their fate is confirmed by an independent commission.
At the time of the charge a statement from the Premier League said: “Leicester City were relegated to the EFL Championship prior to the introduction of the Premier League’s new Standard Directions, which prescribe a timeline within which PSR cases should be heard.
“Therefore, the proceedings will be conducted in accordance with a timetable to be set by the independent Commission, and its final decision will be published on the Premier League’s website.”
A Leicester spokesperson responded: “Leicester City is surprised at the actions the Premier League has taken today. 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.
“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. The club continues to take careful advice about its position and, if necessary, will continue to defend itself from any unlawful acts by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot do so, as occurred earlier this year.
“LCFC has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the P&S rules through its operating model over a considerable period, achieving compliance while pursuing sporting ambitions that are entirely credible given the consistent success that the club has achieved in that time, both domestically and in European competition. As we continue to represent the club’s position, we will continue to fight for the right of all clubs to pursue their ambitions, particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement.
“The club thanks its supporters for their understanding in this matter and for their continued support for our team, whose success on the pitch during the final weeks of the season remains our primary focus.”
The outcome of that case will likely not be the end of the matter though.
The EFL are forecasting another overspend for the 2023/24 campaign which saw them win promotion back to the Premier League.
During that time the EFL also placed Leicester City under a transfer embargo but the potential second breach, according to The Sun, has now been passed on to the Premier League.
This could also result in another points deduction.
Everton and Nottingham Forest saw their punishments reduced on appeal thanks their co-operation with the Premier League.
However, Leicester’s battle against the breaches might well make such a even unlikely.
The Foxes will get their Premier League campaign under way on Monday night when they take on Tottenham – live on talkSPORT.
That match comes as Leicester tie up a deal to sign Spurs’ English midfielder Oliver Skipp.
It’s believed a fee for the 23-year-old is in excess of £20million.
Keep up to date with all the latest news, rumours and gossip with our LIVE transfer blog
News Summary:
- Leicester City braced for point deduction as EFL PSR investigation is handed over to the Premier League
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.