Leeds United are seething after the EFL’s decision to deny them the power to penalize Leicester with a points deduction this season. The Premier League had previously warned the Foxes of facing deductions upon their return to the top flight after breaching PSR rules last year. The tight race for promotion between Leicester, Ipswich, and Leeds, with only one point separating the top three teams, had incited calls for immediate sanctions against Leicester.
However, the EFL’s statement on Friday clarified that the league lacks jurisdiction to impose deductions this season for Leicester’s past offenses. The charges stemmed from Leicester’s time in the Premier League and their subsequent relegation, suggesting that they have abided by regulations this season. This leaves Leeds and Ipswich feeling hard done by as Leicester could potentially enter the Premier League with a clean slate, having their punishment postponed.
A points deduction for Leicester, akin to previous instances with Everton and Nottingham Forest, would have put Leeds and Ipswich in a more favorable position for promotion. Leeds are frustrated by the situation, highlighting the frustrating state of English football in dealing with financial charges and FFP rules.
