Leicester’s financial plight shaped by aftermath of FA Cup triumph | Ben Fisher
Championship leaders face Chelsea on Sunday with threat of potential points deduction looming after costly missteps
Leicester City find themselves in a FA Cup quarter-final for the first time since going on to win the competition three years ago when, in front of the biggest crowd to attend a game since the coronavirus lockdown, they overcame Chelsea at Wembley. For Leicester, that day can be split into lasting snapshots of a momentous victory: Youri Tielemans locating the top corner with a screamer from 25 yards, Brendan Rodgers subsequently haring off down the touchline and Prince William handing Kasper Schmeichel the trophy. Then the confetti rained down as Schmeichel and Wes Morgan, all smiles, lifted the silverware overhead.
Leicester, three points clear at the top of the Championship, may well get their hands on another trophy this season but, as they prepare to visit Chelsea in the Cup on Sunday, it is pertinent to remember the degree to which the weeks that followed that unforgettable Wembley win shaped their current predicament. Three days later, Leicester lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to leave them relying on favours when it came to qualifying for the Champions League. Then, on the final day, they lost at home to Tottenham to miss out on the top four in the last knockings of the season for successive years. After two near-misses at returning to Europe’s elite competition and with the most prestigious domestic cup secured for the first time, Leicester set about trying to kick on.
