LEICESTER have become the latest club charged by the Premier League with breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
It comes despite relegation last season – so the promotion chasers face a points penalty next term if the case is proved and they go straight back up.
Earlier this season Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four over FFP breaches.
Treble winners Manchester City are also under investigation.
It’s thought Leicester were already considering selling players in the summer in an attempt to avoid an FFP case in the future.
Now the Foxes stand accused of breaking spending rules during their last three seasons in the Prem.
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Their case has been referred to an independent commission.
Leicester are alleged to have breached profit and sustainability rules and also to have failed to submit audited finances.
The Foxes say they are “surprised” and “disappointed” to be charged when they are no longer in the top flight.
Leicester added they would “defend itself from any unlawful acts by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot do so”.
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LEICESTER’S FULL STATEMENT IN RESPONSE
The Foxes quickly responded to being charged by the Premier League with this statement:
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.
A club statement continued: “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.”
Separately, the Foxes are also being investigated over financial matters by the EFL.
Leicester lost a club-record £92.5million in the 12 months up to May 2022.
Figures that include their 2022-23 Prem campaign are not yet available publicly.
Top-flight teams are allowed to make losses of £105m over three years – or £35m per season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
