Report: Leicester City Faces Potential Double Blow if Relegated as EFL Pursues Additional Charges
Leicester City Wins Appeal Against Premier League Spending Charge, But May Still Face Further Issues
Steve Cooper must have felt a sense of relief when Leicester City narrowly avoided penalties from the Premier League for not complying with Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).
The Premier League was displeased with the outcome, as Leicester managed to escape repercussions due to a technicality; they were not classified as a Premier League club when their financial submissions were due, and Leicester’s legal team capitalized on weaknesses in the regulations.
The independent panel’s decision spared Cooper’s team from a points deduction, significantly enhancing their chances of avoiding relegation.
However, new developments suggest that relegation could lead to additional penalties for Leicester.
According to The Guardian, the English Football League (EFL) is preparing to charge Leicester if they are relegated from the Premier League.
The EFL is considering taking action over Leicester’s alleged breach of PSR rules, which the Premier League could not pursue.
The Guardian reports that the EFL is seeking legal advice to determine if Leicester would come under their jurisdiction if demoted.
The EFL’s potential charges would be based on the stricter financial regulations for the Championship, where Leicester would have been classified during the 2020-2023 period, despite competing in the Premier League for those three seasons.
The EFL’s spending limits would reduce Leicester’s permitted losses by £22 million, bringing it down to £83 million.
An EFL source expressed frustration with the current situation, stating, “You can’t have clubs going up and down, and getting away with breaches scot-free on the grounds they’ve changed divisions.
It’s ridiculous. Promotion and relegation is a fairly well-established concept.”
The looming possibility of additional charges serves as an extra incentive for Leicester City to avoid relegation.
Although the team should already be highly motivated to stay in the Premier League, the threat of further sanctions if they are demoted adds to the urgency.
Steve Cooper was relieved that Leicester could now focus on football following the panel’s decision on their PSR appeal against the Premier League.
However, the club’s financial situation remains concerning.
Securing another season in the Premier League could alleviate some of these financial pressures, given the substantial revenue from top-flight status.
Leicester currently has just two points this season and faces a critical match as they travel to Goodison Park to play Everton on Saturday, with a crucial opportunity to secure their first league win.
