Leicester start legal action over spending charges

Leicester City have started legal proceedings against the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) after being charged with allegedly breaking spending rules.

If found guilty, the Foxes could face a points deduction.

The club have also been placed under a transfer embargo by the EFL.

Leicester have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League for the alleged breach of PSR rules for their last three seasons in the top flight and for failing to submit audited finances.

They also subject to a separate financial probe by the EFL.

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In a statement, Leicester said that they would seek to ensure that the proceedings were overseen "by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel".

"The club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time," the statement said.

"While LCFC would prefer the proceedings to be in public, so its supporters and the wider world can be informed about the important issues of football governance that will be considered, the relevant rules require that these proceedings are conducted confidentially, and LCFC will therefore not be able to comment further about them at this stage.

"We reaffirm the club's position that we will continue to fight for the right of Leicester City and all clubs to pursue their ambitions, particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement."

Leicester added that the EFL's decision to impose a transfer embargo was "both restrictive and premature".

More to follow.