Leicester a step closer to points deduction as PSR appeal is THROWN OUT by Premier League

5 months ago 50

THE Premier League has rejected Leicester City’s PSR appeal, meaning a points deduction could be enforced ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Leicester were charged with breaking Prem spending limits in March.

Leicester City’s PSR appeal has been rejected by the Premier League[/caption]

Club chiefs immediately launched an appeal, but it was turned down this week.

An official statement read: “An independent Commission has dismissed a challenge by Leicester City FC that it has no jurisdiction to consider an alleged breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).

“In March, the Premier League referred the club to the independent Commission for the alleged breach.

“Leicester City subsequently challenged the Commission’s authority to hear the case.

“The alleged breach relates to the PSRs for Season 2022/23, when the club was a member of the Premier League.”

The EFL also intend to hit Leicester with a separate charge for overspending on their way to winning the Championship.

Based on punishments handed out to Nottingham Forest and Everton last season, the Foxes face a significant points deduction — possibly up to 12 points.

Leicester responded to the latest development with a statement that read: “LCFC notes the publication today of the decision of the Premier League Commission.

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Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk

Nottingham Forest

Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.

Everton

Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.

Sheffield United

Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.

OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…

Manchester City

Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.

Chelsea

Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.

Leicester

Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.

Everton (again)

The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

“The Club is disappointed with the decision, which does not appear to reflect the wording of the Premier League’s Rules, and has lodged an appeal.”

The Foxes lost Championship-winning manager Enzo Maresca this summer to Chelsea, who also recently snapped up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a £30million transfer.

They appointed ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper last month ahead of what is set to be a turbulent return to the top flight.

Former Brighton manager Graham Potter was in contention to take charge of the club, but talks eventually collapsed.

Upon his arrival at the King Power Stadium, Cooper said: “I am very proud to be joining a club with a rich history, and I want first of all to thank Khun Top for the opportunity to manage Leicester City.

“I recognise I am joining a group of people who love this Club and want the very best for it.”