Why Leeds United are eyeing legal action against Leicester City after big Burnley news | OneFootball

Could the Peacocks follow in the Clarets' footsteps after their landmark legal victory?

Burnley's legal victory over Everton was expected to trigger further legal action from other clubs, and that is exactly what has happened.

Last week, reports emerged that the Toffees had been ordered to pay the Clarets £40 million after the Lancashire club successfully argued they would have avoided relegation from the Premier League had the Merseyside outfit's six-point deduction been applied in the 2021/22 season, not the following campaign.

While Everton are set to appeal the decision, it marked a watershed moment in football as it opened the door to legal action between other clubs.

Now, there has been news that Leeds United could take legal action against Leicester City after the Foxes' financial issues affected not one but two of the Peacocks' seasons.

Leeds United contemplating Leicester City legal action

Leeds and Leicester have experienced polarising fates over the years, with the Whites preparing for a second successive season in the Premier League while the Foxes are set to play League One football for the first time in 17 years.

While the Peacocks may be content with their current situation, it seems that they could take action against the East Midlands club for what happened years ago.

That is because the Whites are exploring how Leicester's PSR (profit and sustainability rules) issues affected two of their seasons, according to The Times.

The first of those campaigns was in 2022/23, when the pair were both relegated from the top flight and then in 23/24, when the Foxes earned promotion back to the top tier as Leeds lost in the Championship play-offs, having seen off Norwich City before falling to defeat against Southampton at Wembley.

Leicester were deducted six points last term, having been charged by the Premier League for breaking spending thresholds in 23/24, which led to the club being relegated to the third tier in a historically-dismal campaign at the King Power Stadium.

How long could legal battle last if Leeds pursue action against Leicester?

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The legal battle between Burnley and Everton lasted around two years, so if the Peacocks were to proceed with legal action now, then they could have to wait until 2028 for a decision.

However, Leeds may decide to wait for the outcome of the Toffees' appeal before deciding to proceed, as if their appeal is successful, then they may not decide it is worth it.

What is interesting is that the Whites are considering action because of what transpired over two seasons, as they may be due more than the £40m Everton have been ordered to pay Burnley, which is a substantial figure.

That financial incentive may be enough on its own to persuade Leeds to take imminent action, and the last thing Leicester need right now is to pay out more money.

The Foxes appointed Russell Martin as their new manager, and the club are primed for a summer of change as they look to offload their high earners and address the wage structure at the club.

Whatever happens, fans of both Leeds and Leicester will be keeping an eye on this story as it could have major ramifications for both clubs.