Leicester City filed an appeal Thursday against the six-point deduction that plunged them deeper into relegation trouble in the Championship. The penalty, handed down earlier this month, stemmed from charges filed by the Premier League in May over breaches of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) during the three seasons ending in 2023/24.

The deduction dropped Leicester from 17th to 20th in the standings at the time. Losses to Birmingham City and Southampton followed, allowing West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers to overtake them. Now sitting 22nd, Leicester trail Sheffield United by 10 points and sit just two points above the drop zone.

Club officials had eyed promotion after Leicester’s Championship title win last season. Instead, they battle for survival. The Premier League stated it wants the appeal resolved urgently, before the Championship season ends on May 18.

The process covers Leicester’s challenge to the deduction and the Premier League’s own appeal against an independent commission’s refusal to punish the club for late submission of annual accounts. Both sides submitted arguments to the chair of the judicial panel, who will appoint an appeal board.

Leicester parted ways with manager Marti Cifuentes three weeks ago after a poor start. Gary Rowett took over, aiming to stabilize the squad through May. Rowett saved Oxford United from relegation last season. He also managed Birmingham City’s final eight games the prior year but couldn’t prevent their drop. His past roles include Millwall, Derby County, a prior stint at Birmingham and Burton Albion.

Rowett faces Stoke City on Saturday, one of his former clubs. A win there would put Leicester out of Sheffield Wednesday’s mathematical reach for safety, even if results go against them in the Steel City derby. Leicester hold a goal difference of -7; Wednesday sit at -45.

Leicester has not commented publicly on the appeal. Sheffield United, meanwhile, hold a stronger position higher up the table amid the tight relegation fight.