Leicester Owner Confirms Commitment Amid Growing Club Crisis
Leicester City owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has publicly affirmed his determination to address the club's significant downturn before contemplating any sale. The Foxes have experienced a dramatic decline from Premier League champions a decade ago to their current mid-table position in the Championship, following two relegations within three years.
Fan Discontent and Ownership Response
This sharp decline has led to increasing frustration among supporters, with many expressing dissatisfaction over perceived communication failures from the boardroom. Attendance figures have dropped this season, and fans staged protests during a recent victory against West Bromwich Albion.
In an exclusive interview with Leicestershire Live, Srivaddhanaprabha, commonly known as Top, firmly stated his position regarding potential ownership changes. "Selling the club is not the way to exit," he declared. "I have to make sure that I complete everything that I did here before I want to leave. Now I need to make sure the club is in a good place."
Personal Commitment and Future Vision
The Thai businessman drew a heartfelt analogy to explain his connection to the club. "Leicester is like my son to look after. So I have to do it right. Of course, a son can be naughty, or a son can fail the exam, and be a pain in your head. The son can be top of the class and graduate. So I feel the same. The love is there. The responsibility is there."
He acknowledged that while a wealthy buyer could potentially transform Leicester into a club resembling Manchester City, such a scenario remains distant. "If some prince comes in, maybe yes, and the club can be like Man City for example! But I am sure that is a long, long way to go. I still love it here, I want to make sure the club is successful again."
Financial Challenges and Regulatory Pressures
Leicester's ownership has faced substantial criticism in recent years for repeated breaches of profit and sustainability regulations. After successfully appealing an alleged breach in 2024, the club faces new charges for violations during the 2023/24 season, with a hearing expected soon that could result in significant points deductions.
Srivaddhanaprabha suggested these financial constraints have significantly hampered the club's progress. "We are really focused on how to improve for the club. But with the limitations, because of PSR and because the markets are not the same," he explained. "We live in the rules, so we have to comply. When we try hard to comply, but nobody understands outside what we're trying, it's not easy. The complaints, the comments, the negativity started from that, I think."
Managerial Instability and Immediate Challenges
The club currently operates without a permanent manager following the dismissal of Marti Cifuentes, who became the eighth permanent head coach since Leicester's remarkable title victory. This weekend, the team faces struggling Charlton Athletic as they attempt to navigate their way through this turbulent period.
Srivaddhanaprabha emphasized his problem-solving approach moving forward. "The first thing for me is to identify the problem and fix it. We should know already what the problem is and fix it, then we move forward." This statement underscores his commitment to steering Leicester back toward stability and success despite the considerable obstacles currently facing the East Midlands club.
