Leeds United ‘open legal proceedings’ against Leicester amid PSR row and £35m precedent | OneFootball

Leeds United have opened legal proceedings against Leicester City over the 2023/24 promotion race, with statement of claim served and damages sought, according to The Athletic.

The filing outlines the basis for action, lists specific losses and requests an assessment of damages. A hearing is expected next summer.

Leicester pipped Leeds to promotion in Daniel Farke’s first season, winning the title under Enzo Maresca. Ipswich Town were second, Leeds finished third, then they lost the play-off final to Southampton.

It later emerged Leicester breached Profitability and Sustainability Rules during that period. In February they were docked six points for a three-year PSR breach up to 2023/24, a deduction that contributed to relegation to League One.

Leeds weighed legal action in June after a separate ruling. A Premier League panel ordered Everton to pay £35m to Burnley after avoiding relegation at the Clarets’ expense in 2021/22, a PSR-breaching season.

Leeds finished 17th, one place below Everton, who were charged and docked 10 points, later reduced to six. Elland Road agreed an out-of-court settlement believed to be around £2m.

The panel judged Everton’s breach to have affected Burnley’s survival hopes, and the club called the decision a dangerous and unworkable precedent. Other clubs were expected to review historic breaches for potential claims.

If the claim reaches the Premier League’s independent commission, Leicester’s breach would need on the balance of probabilities to have affected Leeds’ promotion hopes. Leicester finished seven points ahead and lost both league meetings that season.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk