Leicester City hit with 6-point DEDUCTION and tumble to 20th in Championship over Premier League rules violation
Leicester City have been penalized with a six-point deduction and have dropped to 20th place in the Championship after breaching the Premier League's financial regulations. The Foxes are teetering above the relegation zone based solely on goal difference and may consider appealing the verdict.
Leicester City have been hit with a six-point deduction and have fallen to 20th in the Championship after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules. The Foxes are now only outside of the relegation zone thanks to goal difference but could decide to appeal the sanction. The EFL has confirmed that Leicester have been docked six points, dropping them to 20th in the Championship, only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. The governing body said in a statement: "The EFL notes the decision of the independent Disciplinary Commission, appointed under Premier League Rules, which has confirmed that Leicester City FC breached the Profit & Sustainability Rules in the three-year reporting period ending with Season 2023/24."On consideration of all relevant factors, the Commission has recommended a deduction of six points."The EFL Board has met to consider the decision and determined that the sanction should be applied to the Championship table with immediate effect."The verdict came from an independent regulatory commission and the case against Leicester has been ongoing since May.The Foxes could yet appeal the sanction, after it was ruled they breached Profitability and Sustainability Rules [PSR] for the 2023-24 season, when they were last in the Championship. Leicester have made combined losses of over £200m across the three-year, rolling period ending in June, and they are allowed to make losses of a maximum of £81m. The Premier League said: “Upon Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League in 2024, the EFL’s investigation into the club’s alleged breaches of the P&S Rules transferred to the Premier League. Following an Arbitration Tribunal’s decision in March 2025 that confirmed the Premier League had jurisdiction, Leicester City were referred to an independent Commission in May 2025.“During a week-long hearing in November 2025, Leicester City raised a range of legal challenges regarding the applicability of the relevant Rules and the Commission’s ability to impose a sanction on the club, all of which were rejected.“These included a claim that the relevant rules were in breach of competition law. The Commission accepted the club’s submissions as to the length of the relevant assessment period and that a particular accounting policy relating to player costs should apply to reduce the club’s losses in its 2022 annual accounts.“Having done so, it determined that the club had breached the relevant P&S threshold by £20.8million over the three-year assessment period (2022-2024). The Commission found that the club’s refusal to provide its annual accounts to the Premier League by the relevant deadline was a breach of Premier League Rules.“It also dismissed a claim by the club that it had demonstrated exceptional cooperation throughout the proceedings.“Following agreement by the parties, and consistent with the relevant guidelines, the Commission agreed that the club’s improving financial position over the relevant assessment period was a mitigating factor.“Under EFL Regulations, as Leicester City is currently a Championship club, the EFL Board today ratified the Commission’s recommendation of an immediate points deduction.”Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Leicester are currently without a manager, having sacked Marti Cifuentes in January. The Foxes lost 11 of their 29 games under the Spaniard, and are still on the hunt for a new boss. They may have to expedite that process now they sit just ahead of the relegation zone. They have lost three of their last five games, and were beaten 2-0 by Charlton Athletic last time out. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingLeicester play Birmingham City in a tough-looking fixture this weekend. Their opponents are 13th, and are unbeaten in their last five league games.
Leicester City's Sanction and Position in the Championship
Leicester City's descent to 20th in the Championship comes after they were handed a six-point penalty for violating the Profit & Sustainability Rules during the 2023-24 season. The EFL's independent Disciplinary Commission confirmed the breach, resulting in the immediate imposition of the deduction, pushing the Foxes perilously close to relegation.
Appeal Possibility and Background of the Case
Despite the ruling, Leicester City retains the option to appeal the decision. The violations stem from the club's reported losses exceeding £200 million over a three-year period, far surpassing the £81 million limit permitted. These transgressions were brought to light upon the Foxes' promotion to the Premier League in 2024, prompting a prolonged investigation culminating in the recent points deduction.
Implications on Managerial Situation and Next Fixture
With Leicester City currently managerless following Marti Cifuentes' dismissal, the team faces added pressure to secure a new boss swiftly given their precarious league position. The upcoming fixture against Birmingham City presents a challenging task, as the opponents are in solid form, being undefeated in their last five matches.
Looking Ahead
Leicester's recent struggles on the pitch, combined with the off-field sanctions, highlight a turbulent period for the club. It remains to be seen how they navigate this setback and whether they can reverse their fortunes in the Championship.


