Leicester start legal proceedings against Premier League, EFL،
Leicester City has launched two legal proceedings against the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL), the Championship club announced on Friday after being referred to an independent commission over alleged breaches of spending rules.
Leicester, who were relegated from the top flight last season, could face a points deduction after the Premier League made the referral on Thursday.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL plus (United States)
The Premier League said Leicester had failed to submit its audited financial accounts, with the club saying it was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision as it was no longer a top club.
“Leicester City has today been forced to initiate two urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL,” the club said in a statement.
“The LCFC will ensure that each of these proceedings is decided by an appropriate and fully independent legal committee.”
Leicester also said the EFL had issued a public notice saying it had been placed under an embargo on player registration in line with its Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
“The EFL is aware that the LCFC has challenged the right of the EFL to impose this constraint, which is both restrictive and premature, with more than a quarter of the 2023-24 reporting period remaining of the club,” he adds.
Leicester had posted a club record loss of £92.5 million ($116.53 million) for the 2021-22 season as they posted a pre-tax loss of £33.1 million the last year.
Premier League clubs are allowed to lose £105million over three seasons. Leicester have not yet released their accounts from last season.
If found guilty, Leicester could become the third club to face a points deduction for breaching Premier League spending rules after Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Leicester were Premier League champions in 2015-16, beating the odds to win the title, while also winning the FA Cup in 2021.
But the club had a poor season in 2022-23, eventually finishing 18th only to fall back to second.
They are well placed to make a return to the top flight with Enzo Maresca's side level on points with leaders Leeds United but with a game in hand.
