More making it up as they go along with the Leicester case I see:
'Leicester City were relegated to the EFL Championship prior to the introduction of the Premier League’s new Standard Directions, which prescribe a timeline within which PSR cases should be heard. Therefore, the proceedings will be conducted in accordance with a timetable to be set by the independent Commission'
This loophole was known for relegated clubs and Leicester have sought to exploit it. Its presence ackoeledged the other week with a commitment to close it by the PL.
If they try to apply the “spirit” of the regulations, Leicester are, sadly, bang to rights. Deliberately didn’t attempt to claw back funds to reach compliance once they knew they were down, and deliberately didn’t submit accounts. They weren’t compelled to at all, but they will have known they were being clever with the PL. Literally sticking their chest out and daring the PL to take a shot.
Applaud them for it in some ways. In other ways, they deliberately overspent over a 3 year period and factually breached. They
could have made some June sales to comply but chose not to. But if the PL are all about punishing sporting advantage, selling players after the 3rd season ended would not have removed the supposed sporting advantage over the player season, because it’s finished, so the PL will still seek punishment.
Very interesting to see how this plays out, given they have just jumped through a massive hole in the rulebook. But certainly can’t in any way claim lack of intent, a misunderstanding or misinterpretation. A very deliberate ploy, and quite witty. Makes the PL, again, look like pathetic.