Leeds United weigh legal showdown with Leicester after £35m bombshell

Leeds United are now considering a court battle against Leicester City to seek compensation for failing to be promoted to the Premier League in the 2023/24 season.

Burnely recorded a remarkable legal victory against Everton last week after the Toffees were told to pay £35m to the Clarets for getting a sporting advantage in the 2021/22 campaign.

The Premier League docked Everton points for overspending in that season. However, Burnley argued that it was not enough, as the Toffees got a clear sporting advantage and the Clarets were relegated.

Leeds had the chance to sue Everton as well, but decided against it. However, they could soon open a courtroom battle with another team in the near future.

Leicester City are facing legal action from Leeds United

Leeds finished third in the 2023/24 Championship season and lost out on promotion to the Premier League after losing the playoff finals.

Leicester won the Championship to earn their Premier League ticket. However, they breached the Championship’s spending rules to escape the league.

However, following their relegation from the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, they were docked six points, and they even suffered relegation to League One at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

But Burnley’s landmark win over Everton has encouraged Leeds, and according to The Times, the Whites are considering legal action against Leicester.

Leeds are now weighing up taking Leicester to court for gaining a sporting advantage in the 2023/24 season, which stopped the Whites from getting promoted.

The Whites would be due financial compensation if Leicester are found guilty, and would further increase the problems for them following their relegation to League One.

Leeds have a case against Leicester

The 2023/24 season was an unusually competitive Championship campaign, with Leeds failing to get promoted after scoring 90 points.

Leicester ended up dominating the season under the manager Vincent Kompany, but it is clear that they broke the Championship’s spending rules.

There is a legitimate argument that Leicester’s penchant for breaking the spending rules gave them an undue sporting advantage, while Leeds played by the regulations.

Leeds were also not a million miles from Leicester in the league table, and so, it could be suggested that had Leicester played within the rules, Leeds could have caught them,

Burnley’s legal win over Everton has set a clear precedent that Leeds can now use against Leicester in a fierce courtroom battle.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds eventually take the Foxes to court in the coming weeks or months.