The Premier League has now charged all three teams that finished higher than Leeds United last season.
Leicester City has expressed ‘great disappointment’ with the Premier League after being penalized with violating their profitability and sustainability guidelines.
Following weeks of media speculation, Leeds United’s Championship promotion rivals were officially charged by the Premier League on Thursday evening. In addition to the alleged violations, they are accused of ‘failing to submit their audited financial reports to the League.’
Leicester’s case will now be heard by an independent committee, as has happened with Everton and Nottingham Forest this season. However, the Foxes have responded sharply to the charges.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “Leicester City is startled by the Premier League’s actions today. The team is extremely disappointed that the Premier League has chosen to charge LCFC at this time, despite the Club’s efforts to engage constructively with the Premier League on the issues raised in this charge, notwithstanding the fact that LCFC is not currently a Premier League team.
“LCFC is willing and eager to work constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to resolve any potential charges in the proper manner, by the right bodies, and at the right time. The Club continues to seek meticulous counsel on its position and, if necessary, will continue to defend itself against any unlawful acts by football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot, as happened earlier this year.
“LCFC has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the P&S rules through its operating model over a significant period of time, achieving compliance while pursuing sporting ambitions that are entirely credible given the Club’s consistent success, both domestically and in European competition. As we continue to promote the Club’s viewpoint, we will fight for all clubs’ rights to pursue their goals, particularly those that have been legitimately and fairly established by consistent sporting performance.
“The Club thanks its supporters for their understanding in this matter and for their continued support for our team, whose success on the pitch during the final weeks of the season remains our primary focus.”
Leicester are now facing the potential of a points deduction, however this will most likely occur next season if they are promoted to the Premier League, and it will have little bearing on their chances of finishing in the top two of the Championship. They are the third team to be accused with spending violations, and all three of them, Forest and Everton, finished higher than Leeds when they were relegated last season.
