Leicester charged

LONDON - Leicester risk a points penalty after they were charged with breaking the Premier League spending rules – but it appears highly unlikely to damage their promotion bid this season.

The Foxes were on Thursday referred to an independent commission ‘for an alleged breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) and for failure to submit their audited financial accounts to the League.’ The charge relates to the 2022-23 campaign, when Leicester were relegated from the Premier League. Despite a recent wobble, Leicester are second in the

Championship with a game in hand on leaders Leeds and have a strong chance of winning automatic promotion this season.

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Given this is a Premier League charge and Leicester are currently an EFL club, not to mention the time required to determine a punishment, it appears improbable that points could be taken from them this term.

Yet their prospects of survival could be instantly compromised by a points deduction. Everton have been docked six points and Nottingham Forest four this term for PSR breaches.

A Leicester spokesman said:

“Leicester City is surprised at the actions the Premier League has taken today (yesterday). 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.

“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.