Leicester’s fate regarding a points deduction in the current Championship season has been clarified by the EFL, affirming that such penalties cannot be imposed under their current regulations, even if ordered by a Premier League-appointed independent commission.
Despite Leicester’s bid for an interim injunction to halt potential sanctions like a points deduction, the EFL’s assertion of its lack of authority to enforce penalties this season led to the dismissal of their application.
In a legal twist unveiled on Friday, it was revealed that the Premier League initially sought an expedited process, emphasizing the urgency of concluding the entire case, including any appeals, before the Championship regular season’s end on May 4.
EFL’s CEO, Trevor Birch, had previously assured his Premier League counterpart, Richard Masters, of the EFL’s commitment to honor any decision mandating a points deduction, urging swift action to implement it before the season’s conclusion.
However, subsequent correspondence from the Premier League indicated a shift, with the league abandoning its push for expedited proceedings once the EFL withdrew its stance on applying a points deduction in the Championship.
Consequently, the case’s resolution is deferred to the next season, with any potential penalty only impacting Leicester’s standing if they secure Premier League promotion before the hearing’s conclusion.
Amidst the legal maneuvers, Leicester accused the EFL of colluding with the Premier League in allegedly employing unlawful tactics and inciting breaches of contract. The club remains deeply disillusioned with the EFL’s handling of the situation, asserting their dissatisfaction with the unfolding events.
The charges against Leicester stem from alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) during the assessment period ending with the 2022-23 season, during which they still held Premier League status.
Promptly responding to the charges, Leicester initiated urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League charge and an EFL-imposed transfer embargo, reflecting their proactive stance amidst the legal entanglements.
With the recent revelation of a staggering £89.7 million loss for the 2022-23 season, Leicester faces mounting challenges, both on and off the field, as they navigate the complexities of financial regulations and their aspirations for sporting success.