Leicester City Football Club has issued an apology to its employees after making a sudden decision to delay their December salary payments until after the Christmas period.
Sudden Reversal of Festive Payment Tradition
The club has reversed a policy followed in recent years, where staff were paid early in December to allow them to bank their wages before the festive break. In an email sent to all staff on Thursday, seen by Daily Mail Sport, the club confirmed salaries would now be paid on December 31.
The usual payment date is the final day of the month, but Leicester had previously brought this forward. The new policy applies to all staff at the club, including players and management.
The email, believed to be from interim managing director Kamonthip Netthanomsak, acknowledged the move would cause disruption. It stated: "I recognise that the earlier payment has become a valued tradition for many colleagues, and it is regrettable that I have been unable to relay this with greater notice."
Club Insists Finances Remain Stable
Leicester City have been quick to assert that this decision is not related to the club's financial position, which they describe as stable. However, the short notice given to staff – with the email sent only on Thursday – has reportedly caused significant unhappiness across the organisation.
In previous years, employees expected payment either on the final Friday before Christmas or the last working day before the holiday.
Background of Turbulence and Potential Sanctions
The pay delay comes during a period of continued uncertainty for the Foxes. Since their initial relegation from the Premier League in 2023, the club has experienced a turbulent time. They achieved immediate promotion back to the top flight, only to suffer a second relegation in three years, leaving them back in the Championship where they currently sit eighth.
Further complicating matters, the club awaits a decision on whether they will receive a points deduction for breaching financial rules. Speculation suggests a potential penalty of between six and nine points if they are found guilty.
On the pitch, manager Marti Cifuentes has overseen an upturn in form recently, with impressive wins over Derby and Ipswich and a draw at Bristol City.
The club's apology concluded: "Please accept my personal apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you." The episode marks another challenging chapter off the field for the former Premier League champions.
