Soccer-Premier League refers Leicester to independent commission over alleged rule breach

(Adds details) March 21 (Reuters) - Leicester City could face a points deduction after the Premier League referred them to an independent commission on Thursday over alleged breaches in the league's spending rules.

Leicester City could face a points deduction after the Premier League referred them to an independent commission on Thursday over alleged breaches in the league's spending rules. Leicester, who were relegated to the Championship last season, had failed to submit their audited financial accounts, the Premier League said in a statement.

"The alleged breach relates to the assessment period ending Season 2022/23, when the club was a member of the Premier League," the statement said. "The proceedings will be conducted in accordance with a timetable to be set by the independent commission."

If found guilty, Leicester could become the third club to face a points deduction for breaching Premier League spending rules, after Everton and Nottingham Forest. Defending champions Manchester City were also referred to an independent commission

last year over more than 100 alleged breaches of finance rules. No verdict has yet been reached in that case.

Leicester are second in the Championship, equal on points with leaders Leeds United, as they pursue promotion back to the Premier League.