Oxford United rivals Leicester hit with legal claim by Leeds

This comes after Leeds were denied automatic promotion in 2023/24 when the Foxes were found to have broken financial rules.

Leicester won the Championship title that season, two places above Leeds, who lost in the play-off final.

Leicester, along with Oxford, were relegated from the Championship last season.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic that Leeds took action after Burnley’s recent legal victory over Everton.

Tempers flare between Oxford United’s Greg Leigh (centre left) and Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi (centre right) (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Burnley were awarded £35 million after Everton’s breach of profitability and sustainability rules in 2021/22.

A statement of claim outlines the reasons for legal action and Leeds have detailed specific losses.

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They also want an assessment of damages due to Leicester’s breach.

As things stand, the hearing will not take place until next summer.

Leeds are apparently likely to argue they would have been automatically promoted in 2023/24 if Leicester had adhered to the rules.

Leicester were given a six-point penalty in the Championship last season as a punishment for breaching spending rules in that title-winning 2023/24 campaign under now-Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca.