Leicester City hit with points deduction ahead of Birmingham City clash

Birmingham City’s opponents this weekend, Leicester City, have been handed a points penalty just days before the two sides meet.

The Foxes have been docked six points on the eve of their trip to face the Blues at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, after being found to have breached Profit & Sustainability rules. Leicester have been under scrutiny since the beginning of the season, with a punishment widely anticipated, and it has now been confirmed ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture.

An EFL statement released on Thursday afternoon confirmed the immediate six-point deduction, which leaves Leicester on 32 points and sitting 20th in the table, outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

The statement read: “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.”

Leicester were charged in May last year in relation to the 2023/24 campaign, during which they secured promotion from the Championship. The charges included exceeding the EFL’s three-year loss threshold, failing to submit accounts on time, and not providing full and prompt cooperation with the league’s investigation.

However, the EFL statement does not specify which of the three charges the club has ultimately been found guilty of breaching.