Leicester City has successfully overturned a decision that could have led to a points deduction due to an alleged violation of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. The Foxes, who are striving to avoid relegation after being promoted from the Championship last season, are already contending with various challenges both on and off the pitch.
The Premier League expressed its “surprise and disappointment” at the recent ruling, which came after an independent panel concluded that the organisation lacked the authority to impose sanctions on the club. The primary reason Steve Cooper’s side avoided disciplinary measures is that they effectively argued that, during part of the period when the alleged PSR breach occurred, they were no longer a member of the Premier League.
Back in March, the Premier League referred the East Midlands club to an independent commission for an alleged violation of PSR regulations. However, after a six-month wait, Leicester City has now successfully appealed the decision and is not expected to face a points deduction this season. This outcome follows similar appeals made by Everton and Nottingham Forest during the 2023/24 campaign. Martyn Ziegler of The Times noted that this ruling allows Leicester to “escape any threat of points deductions.”
In a statement on their official website, Leicester City stated: “Leicester City welcomes the comprehensive decision by the appeal board, which aligns with our long-held position that any action against the club must be pursued in accordance with the applicable rules.
“To prevent any confusion that may arise following the Premier League’s statement in response to the appeal decision, Leicester City wishes to highlight that the appeal panel found, when considering the precise wording of the Premier League rules (as per established principles of English law), the club did not breach the Premier League PSRs for the assessment period ending 30 June 2023.
“In its ruling, the Appeal Board, which included a panel of three experienced senior lawyers, two of whom are former Court of Appeal judges, pointed out flaws in the Premier League’s rules.
“In challenging the Premier League’s attempt to charge Leicester City, the Club’s aim was to ensure that the rules are applied consistently and fairly across all clubs, based strictly on how they are written.”
In stark contrast, the Premier League defended its initial decision to sanction Leicester City, stating: “The Premier League is very disappointed with the Appeal Board’s decision and the limited reasoning provided for it. The League maintains that the original Commission correctly interpreted the rules in a practical and effective manner that reflects their intended purpose.
“By overturning the original Commission’s findings, the Premier League believes the Appeal Board’s decision fails to consider the purpose of the rules, all relevant aspects of the PSRs, and the necessity of effective enforcement to ensure fairness across all clubs.
“If the Appeal Board’s decision stands, it could create a scenario where any club exceeding the PSR threshold could evade accountability under similar circumstances. This clearly contradicts the intent of the rules.
“It is crucial that the Premier League enforces its rules consistently to uphold fairness. The League is now exploring further actions to ensure this principle is maintained.”
