(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)
(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Exclusive: Leicester get big points deduction boost after £20m reveal

James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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Leicester City are not expected to be charged with a profit and sustainability (PSR) breach for last season following their points deduction, sources have told Football Insider

Leicester were charged last May with an alleged breach of the EFL’s financial rules in their promotion-winning campaign back to the Premier League in 2023-24. 

Following a hearing in November, it was announced on Thursday (5 February) Leicester have been deducted six points

The penalty has been applied immediately, leaving the Foxes sitting 20th in the Championship table and only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. 

In a statement, Leicester said the points deduction is “disproportionate” and they are now considering their available options. 

How Leicester avoided financial breach last season

The Premier League’s PSR rules allow clubs to lose £105million over a rolling three-year period, but the figure is reduced by £22m each season a club spends outside of the top flight. 

That meant Leicester’s cap was £83m up to the end of 2023-24, having spent that campaign in the Championship.

The Foxes lost £92.5m in 2021-22, £89.7m in 2022-23 and £19.4m in 2023-24, but those figures don’t account for certain costs clubs are allowed to add back. 

Aiyawatt Khun Top Srivaddhanaprabha Leicester
Leicester have been deducted six points after breaching the financial rules (Credit: Imago)

Leicester successfully argued their case should be considered over a 36-month period rather than 37 after moving their accounting reference date to 30 June in 2023-24. 

The commission ruled the East Midlands club had spent £20.8m over their limit across the three-year period, but it would have been higher had the case been assessed over 37 months. 

Sources have told Football Insider Leicester’s breach could have been closer to £40m in that instance, impacting their 2023-24 figures as well as last season’s accounts. 

However, it is believed the Foxes avoided breaching the spending rules for 2024-25 after reducing their losses at the King Power Stadium. 

Leicester have new focus as PSR saga comes to an end

In an interview last week, Leicester owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha admitted he was “worried” about the club’s PSR situation.

While the Foxes must decide whether to appeal against the points deduction, they do now have a chance to move forward. 

Leicester have to decide whether or not to appeal against their points deduction (Credit: Getty Images)
Leicester have to decide whether or not to appeal against their points deduction (Credit: Getty Images)

Andy King has taken over on an interim basis as he aims to help the club move away from the relegation zone before a new manager is appointed. 

The Foxes are set to take on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Saturday (7 February). 

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