MP reveals letter he has sent to Premier League in wake of Leicester City FFP charges

Jonathan Ashworth, the Labour MP for Leicester South, has written to the Premier League’s managing director Richard Masters after Leicester City were referred to an independent commission for allegedly breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), and failing to submit audited finances.

City have begun legal proceedings against both the Premier League and the EFL, who could both implement punitive points deductions against the club if alleged financial fair play (FFP) breaches are proven.

The Foxes were relegated from the Premier League last year and have, despite a recent wobble, enjoyed a generally excellent season in the Championship under Enzo Maresca. They sit second, a point behind leaders Leeds United, with nine matches remaining.

Away from the pitch, though, uncertainty reigns. Not only do Leicester face top-flight action, the EFL have made the club subject to transfer embargo in relation to spending breaches. The club intend to contest the charges, but with the financial year ending on June 30, they could be under pressure to sell players and raise millions before that date.

In the meantime, Ashworth has written to Premier League chief Masters on behalf of his constituents for further clarity amid the ‘opaque’ process. In his letter, shared with his followers on social media, the MP indicates that he has already spoken with the MD this week, but requires a response to further queries. The letter in full is below…

I am writing to express my deep concern at the treatment of Leicester City Football Club in my constituency. I am writing on behalf of many constituents and fans from across the UK. The news that the Premier League has referred Leicester City FC to the independent commission for an alleged breach of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules has been met with anger and disbelief with fans in Leicester.

Many fans understandably consider this process to be opaque with the serious risk of a points deduction putting the club’s future prospects into jeopardy. Moreover, fans tell me that they are totally unclear how these processes operate and are applied. I am grateful for you providing me with some details and appreciated the opportunity for a call on Friday, however there remain a number of questions which I hope you’re able to answer as a matter of urgency.

Following the confirmation of disciplinary proceedings (and in some cases points deductions) for a number of clubs, is the Premier League embarking on any programme to better explain, and make more transparent its disciplinary and decision-making processes so fans can be reassured of fairness?

There are other clubs facing multiple charges of alleged breaches which remain unresolved, how is the Premier League working to speed up these decisions so the rules are applied as fairly and as consistently as possible?

Are you assured of the fact that the Premier League’s disciplinary and sanctions regimes are being fairly and proportionately applied to all clubs?

Leicester City is not currently in the Premier League. What remit do you have to refer non-Premier League clubs to a disciplinary commission? We all want the Premier League to remain the best football competition in the world. Leicester City are an emblem of what the best of the Premier League can represent, but you will understand the process on which you embarked is likely to have a major impact on many of my constituents and they deserve answers.

I look forward to your response.

Jonathan Ashworth

It remains unclear what response, if any, Ashworth has so far received from the Premier League chief.