Leicester City could face a points deduction for alleged violations of Premier League financial regulations, although no decision is expected before the start of the new season.
Richard Masters acknowledges that the legal issues involving Premier League champions Manchester City, Leicester City, and other top-flight clubs generate “uncertainty and frustration” coming into the new season, but adds: “There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules.”
An independent commission is expected to rule on the 115 charges facing City at some point during the season, possibly as early as mid-September, while the Foxes are still waiting for an outcome in their case after being charged in March with alleged violations of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
The league is also said to be examining Chelsea for suspected rule violations committed under former owner Roman Abramovich.
When asked about the significance of all of these issues and whether they were a major concern for the league, CEO Masters told Sky Sports: “It does matter, and I understand it creates uncertainty and some frustration, but there is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules, which everyone agreed on at the start of each season.”
“They have seen each other in the eye, shaken hands, and stated, ‘We will comply by these terms,’ therefore the Premier League must enforce them. Whatever trouble or frustration this causes is part of sustaining and protecting the Premier League’s competition, core values, and competitiveness. And it is actually my role, and I intend to continue doing so.”
An independent committee has already dismissed Leicester’s claim that it had authority to investigate an alleged breach of PSR by the club because they were in the EFL at the time the charges were filed. The Foxes gained promotion last May and are now expected to face a record punishment.
Manchester City, however, has won two league titles since being charged in February of last year.
“I think it does need to be resolved,” Masters remarked. “It is not in our hands. It is under the control of an impartial panel. They are in command of the timing and operation of the process, so we must let them get on with it.”
Everton and Nottingham Forest were punished points for PSR violations last season, and the regulations remain in effect for the upcoming season, mandating clubs to limit losses to a maximum of £105 million over three seasons.
Masters stated that the league would continue to implement the PSR “fairly and proportionately,” but added that he could not speculate on whether there would be charges linked to the 2023-24 PSR evaluation period. You can only fully adjudicate on it once you have audited the finances, which doesn’t begin until near the end of the year.”
Leave a Reply