Leicester’s legal action against the Premier League and EFL sparks anger with rival clubs convinced the Foxes are stalling to stop potential six-point deduction from derailing their promotion bid this season
Leicester’s legal action against the Premier League and EFL has provoked anger at other clubs who are convinced it is a stalling tactic to prevent them being docked points this season.
The Championship club announced they had launched ‘urgent legal proceedings’ on Friday after being charged with breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, which has left them facing a six-point deduction.
The Premier League are understood to have been considering pursuing an expedited hearing to ensure the matter is resolved this season, but that will no longer be possible given Leicester’s legal challenge.
While the timing of PSR cases is dictated by the Independent Commission appointed to hear them the Premier League have the power to push for a fast-track process and were eager to do so to preserve the integrity of the Championship promotion race.
Leicester’s rivals are convinced that the legal action is a delaying tactic to avoid the matter derailing their promotion bid, with Enzo Maresca’s side level on points with Championship leaders Leeds and a point ahead of third-placed Ipswich.
Sources with knowledge of the case have told Mail Sport that Leicester’s breach is ‘significant,’ which based on previous PSR hearings would trigger a six-point sanction, while the club’s combative approach means it would not be reduced on the basis of their co-operation.
Leicester’s lawyers succeed in blocking the EFL’s attempts to impose a business plan on them earlier this season with the club arguing they had no jurisdiction as they were in the Premier League at the time of their overspending.
