Competition & Markets Authority statement re Leicester City Football Club

The Foxes Trust is concerned and disappointed that the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) had cause to issue a statement of objections to Leicester City Football Club over the supply of club shirts sold through JD Sports.  Fans of the club are understandably concerned that the club has been involved in anti-competitive behaviour and that up to £880,000 will go to paying a fine not to improving football matters.

In keeping with the Trust’s aims, we spoke to the club about this and had hoped that further public comment on the matter might be made by the club.  This has not occurred.  We recognise the nature of a CMA ruling limits what can be shared in the public domain.  However, the club’s statement has a number of gaps which fans might expect to have been covered:

• There is no indication as to how fans who may be out-of-pocket due to the club’s actions might ask for recompense.
• The statement implies that decisions with significant implications took place which senior management were either unaware of or judged badly.  This suggests an inadequate level of governance.
• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is no hint of an apology or expression of regret that the club’s actions have resulted in unlawful activity and a fine.  That is not good enough.

Notes:

• CMA announcement, 5 July 2023 – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leicester-city-fc-to-be-fined-up-to-880k-after-admitting-anti-competitive-arrangement-with-jd-sports .
• Leicester City Football Club statement, 5 July 2023, https://www.lcfc.com/news/3570497/lcfc-statement-cma?lang=en .
• The Foxes Trust is the independent Supporters Trust for Leicester City Football Club.  Its published aims include:
  • To lobby, publicise and campaign to encourage the (club) Board to take into account the interests of supporters when making its decisions.
  • To ensure the club meets the highest standards of business management.