Leicester City appeal succeeds over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules

Leicester City have won a legal battle over a Premier League decision that could lead to points being deducted for alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability (PSR) rules.

Following Leicester’s appeal, an independent panel found there was no legal basis for the case to proceed and said parts of the PSR were “far from well organised”.

“Leicester City welcomes the overall decision of the appeals board, which supports our unwavering view that any action against the club must be pursued in accordance with the applicable laws,” the Foxes said in a statement.

BREAKING: Leicester win appeal against PSR breach 🚨 pic.twitter.com/bdhdoZo5co

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 3, 2024

Leicester appeal: Premier League responds

The decision is dependent on Leicester being in the Championship in March at the time of the charge, which relates to three years of the club’s accounts ending after relegation.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were both handed point deductions last season by PSR, and the league is considering an appeal.

“If the appeals board is right, its decision will create a situation where any club that exceeds the PSR limit can avoid being held accountable in these circumstances,” he said.

“This is clearly not the intention of the laws. It is very important that the Premier League is able to apply its rules consistently in order to maintain the principle of impartiality. “

Premier League PSR

Clubs are allowed to lose a total of £105 million over a three-season period under the rules.

Leicester are expecting their three-year accounting period ending in June 2024 to avoid bankruptcy, helped by £40m of payments from Chelsea for midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and manager Enzo Maresca.

The Italian led Leicester to promotion for the first time at the time in 2023-24, winning the competition after spending all but 10 games at the top of the table.

Steve Cooper succeeded Maresca after leaving Stamford Bridge for Pep Guardiola’s former Manchester City assistant.

The 2015-16 Premier League champions have one point from three games and have more to come when they travel to bottom side Crystal Palace on September 14 (15:00 BST).