Post: Leicester City face three new charges that could result in points deductions, hearing to be held next week

The Post reported that Leicester City is about to face a new round of legal disputes with the Premier League, and a hearing will be held next week. The Championship club will defend themselves against three new charges and could face a points deduction.

Leicester City allegedly breached Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules in the 2023-24 season, when the club was still in the Championship. The Premier League confirmed the allegations in May this year and also accused Leicester of failing to submit its annual accounts by December 31. Leicester City also face another charge of failing to fulfill its obligation to "provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Premier League". If the allegations are confirmed by the independent disciplinary committee, Leicester could face a range of potential sanctions, including points deductions, fines or a transfer ban.

Leicester City’s legal dispute with the Premier League has lasted for more than 18 months. Leicester City appealed against the first alleged breach of the PSR in September last year and won after a panel found the Premier League did not have jurisdiction to punish Leicester, who had been relegated to the Championship. Renowned sports lawyer Nick DeMarco and his team at Blackstone Solicitors successfully defended Leicester City and are expected to represent Leicester again at next week's hearing.

Leicester City's total loss during the three-year rolling period (ending June 30, 2024) exceeded 200 million pounds. The maximum allowable loss under PSR regulations is 81 million pounds, and part of the loss can be deducted after adjustment. These losses include a record loss of £92.5m in the 12 months to May 2022. The following year they reported an £89.5m loss, attributed to a number of factors including relegation, the "unplanned expenditure" of sacking £8m-a-year manager Brendan Rodgers, and an estimated £30m deficit after finishing below expected targets. As a result of these losses, Leicester City have spent less than £3 million in transfer fees this year.

It is unclear when Leicester City will learn the results of this hearing, but many sources say that the final ruling will not be released until the end of this year at the earliest. An appeal could extend the dispute into the second half of the season. Due to rule changes earlier this year, any sanctions, including points deductions, could be imposed while Leicester remain in the Championship. This uncertainty could cause huge disruption to their upgrade path. Leicester City and the Premier League declined to comment.