Leicester City will no longer face a points deduction after revealing that they had won an appeal in relation to an alleged breach of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
The King Power Stadium natives confirmed on Tuesday that they had won their appeal after being accused of breaching PSR rules in the 2022-2023 season, meaning they will no longer receive a points deduction in a welcome boost for Steve Cooper’s side.
“Leicester City welcomes the Appeal Board’s comprehensive decision, which supports our consistently stated position that any action against the Club should be pursued in accordance with the applicable rules.,” the club said.
Nick De Marco, a renowned sports barrister, represented Leicester, just as he did in November 2023, when the English Football League were found to have acted outside of their powers.
An independent panel ruled in City’s favour and the club did not need to submit a business plan to the EFL.
De Marco is a name Leicester supporters have heard a lot of over the coming months, so here is an in-depth look at his life and career, including answers to all of your frequently asked questions.
Nick De Marco personal profile
- Full name: Nick De Marco KC
- Age: 57 (22 February 1967)
Who has Nick De Marco represented?
De Marco is a ‘go-to’ lawyer in football disputes and has represented a number of clubs across the Premier League and EFL.
The 57-year-old has helped Sheffield Wednesday in their previous dealings with the EFL over a PSR breach. He was able to defer a points dock before reducing it from 12 to six points.
De Marco was also involved with Newcastle United in 2021, helping the club in their dispute with the Premier League over the Saudi takeover.
This year, Nottingham Forest have found themselves in a similar position to Leicester and called upon the barrister in their appeal against a four-point deduction.
What has Nick De Marco said about Leicester’s appeal
Since confirmation of the successful appeal, De Marco has taken to X to congratulate the Foxes, as well as praise those who helped him, saying he was “Delighted to have acted for LCFC against the PL in this important appeal.”
He then followed his up by adding: “Thank you for all the kind messages I have seen about this interesting case. But I must emphasise that, first, cases are generally won or lost based on the quality of argument & evidence, not the identity of the advocate. None of us are miracle workers.
“Second, LCFC had a great team that I was just one part of: my juniors David Lowe & Marlena Valles, the great team at Centrefield (especially Stuart, Philip & Alice) and the brilliant & lovely in house team at LCFC itself.”
What is Nick De Marco’s Twitter?
Outside of his cases, De Marco is a keen photographer and often shares his photos on his X account:
He also has a passion for art and some of his work can be found on his official Instagram account:
What is Nick De Marco’s podcast?
De Marco has a podcast called ‘The Sports Law’ which delves into topical legal issues with leading personalities in the industry.
What is Nick De Marco’s book?
In 2022, De Marco released a book titled ‘Football and the Law’ which looks at the ‘key legal principles, cases and regulatory materials relevant to football’.
What did Kieran Maguire say about Nick De Marco?
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire took to X back in September 2022 and quoted a De Marco post, saying: “He’s the Lionel Messi of sports law for a reason folks!”
High praise from a leading industry specialist and it further amplifies just how highly respected he is in law.