LEICESTER have become the latest club charged by the Premier League with breaching Financial Fairplay rules.
It comes despite their relegation last season – and the promotion hopefuls face a points penalty if the case is proved and they go straight back up.
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Earlier this season Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four over FFP breaches.
Treble winners Manchester City are also under investigation.
It’s thought Leicester were already considering selling players in the summer in an attempt to avoid an FFP case in the future.
Now the Foxes stand accused of breaking spending rules during their last three seasons in the Prem.
Their case has been referred to an independent commission.
Leicester are alleged to have breached profit and sustainability rules and also to have failed to submit audited finances.
Leicester say they are “surprised” and “disappointed” to be charged when they are no longer in the top flight.
The Foxes added they would “defend itself from any unlawful acts by the football authorities, should they seek to exercise jurisdiction where they cannot do so”.
A club statement continued: “LCFC remains willing and eager to engage constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek the proper resolution of any potential charges, by the right bodies, and at the right time.
“The Club continues to take careful advice about its position.”
Separately, the Foxes are also being investigated by the EFL over financial matters.
Leicester lost a club-record £92.5million in the 12 months up to May 2022.
Figures that include their 2022-23 Prem campaign are not yet available publicly.
Top-flight teams are allowed to make losses of £105m over three years – or £35m per season.