Premier League and EFL to close loophole in their spending rules exploited by Leicester… while top-flight clubs are braced for row over independent regulator – AHEAD OF THE GAME

The Premier League and EFL will align their spending rules after Leicester exploited a loophole to dodge sanctions.

From next season the Premier League’s fast-track reporting system, which requires clubs to file their previous season’s accounts by December 31, will also apply to clubs who have been relegated. 

The aim is that any punishment for a spending breach will be applied that season. Leicester avoided having to comply with those rules this season, as by the time the new regulations came in last June they had already been relegated.

The club could be hit with two points deductions next season, however, as they are at risk of exceeding limits for two periods ending with the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

The latter process is being run by the EFL, but a points deduction would also apply in the top flight if they win promotion.

That loophole is set to be closed, and Enzo Maresca’s Leicester could face two points deductions next season

Huddersfield’s dispute with local authority

Huddersfield are in dispute with their local authority over funding the running of the John Smith’s Stadium. 

Kirklees Council are refusing to pay their share of the bills as they are facing financial difficulties. 

Forty per cent of operating costs should be paid by the council, 40 per cent by Town and 20 per cent by rugby league club Huddersfield Giants.

Huddersfield are in a dispute with the local authority over the funding for their stadium

Man United take leaf out of Liverpool’s book

Manchester United have held talks with the brains behind Liverpool’s transfer activity under Jurgen Klopp as they try to improve recruitment.

United have spoken with Ludonautics, the sports advisory and statistical analysis firm run by Liverpool’s former director of research Dr Ian Graham. Ludonautics was launched by Graham in an attempt to offer the data services he provided at Anfield to other clubs. 

Liverpool’s former sporting director Michael Edwards also works for Ludonautics as a consultant, having rejected numerous offers to return to full-time work at other clubs. 

Ludonautics have been appointed by several clubs across Europe in the last few months, but do not disclose their list of clients. United and Ludonautics declined to comment.

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, (left), works at Ludonautics as a consultant, having previously been a major success at Anfield

Premier League clubs set for another row 

Premier League clubs are braced for another internal row when the Government introduces a bill to create the independent regulator as there is a dispute over who should pay for it. 

Many Premier League clubs blame the Big Six for regulation, as it was their decision to join the European Super League which triggered it, and want them to pay. The Big Six do not agree.