LEICESTER has become the latest club to be accused by the Premier League of breaching financial fair play rules.
It comes despite last season’s relegation – so the promotion chasers face a points penalty next season if the case is proven and they go straight back up.
2
Leicester are fighting for an immediate return to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
2
Enzo Maresca’s Foxes face a points penalty if they return next season and the FFP case against them is proven Credit: Rex
Earlier this season, Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four for FFP breaches.
Three-time winners Manchester City are also under investigation.
Leicester are understood to have already considered selling the player in the summer in a bid to avoid an FFP case in the future.
Now the Foxes are accused of violating spending rules during the last three seasons in Prem.
Their case was referred to an independent commission.
Leicester allegedly breached profit and sustainability rules and also failed to submit audited financials.
The Foxes say they are “surprised” and “disappointed” to be charged when they are no longer in the top flight.
Leicester added that they will “defend themselves against any illegal actions by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot do so”.
LEICESTER’S FULL STATEMENT IN RESPONSE
The Foxes quickly responded to the Premier League’s allegations with this statement:
Leicester City are surprised by the actions taken by the Premier League today.
The club is extremely disappointed that the Premier League has decided to charge LCFC now, despite the club’s efforts to engage constructively with the Premier League on 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 work constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek an appropriate resolution to any potential allegations, by the right authorities and at the right time.
The club continues to take careful advice on its position and, if necessary, will continue to defend itself against any illegal actions by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot, as happened earlier this year.
LCFC has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to P&S rules through its operating model over a long period, achieving compliance while pursuing sporting ambitions that are entirely credible given the continued success the Club has achieved in that time, both domestically and in European competition.
While 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 are reasonably and fairly established through sustainable sporting achievements.
The club thanks its fans for their understanding in this matter and for their continued support of our team, whose success on the field during the final weeks of the season remains our primary focus.
A club statement continued: “LCFC remains willing and eager to work constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek appropriate resolution of any potential allegations, by the right authorities and at the right time.
“The club continues to carefully take advice on its position.”
What is FFP? How financial fair play affects Man Utd and Arsenal in the January transfer window
In addition, the Foxes are also being investigated by the EFL over financial issues.
Leicester lost a club-record £92.5m in the 12 months to May 2022.
Figures which include their Prem 2022-23 campaign are not yet publicly available.
Top teams are allowed to make losses of £105m over three years – or £35m per season.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education