Leicester City could discover whether they are set to face a points deduction for potential breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules before the end of this month.
City’s hearing has reportedly taken place over the past couple of weeks and while both the club and the Premier League remain silent on the issue, manager Marti Cifuentes indicated that a decision might arrive before the new year.
Charged in May, City are accused of surpassing the permitted loss limit for the three seasons up to and including the 23-24 campaign, with two additional allegations for failing to co-operate and for not submitting their financial accounts on schedule.
Although the case has been brought forward by the Premier League, it is anticipated that if City are found culpable and receive a punishment in the form of a points deduction, the EFL will be able to enforce it.
There is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the likelihood of a points deduction, and it is heightening anxiety among supporters.
Asked for an update at his press conference on Thursday, Cifuentes said: “I might sound a bit boring. The club always updates me when there is any real news. I have constant communication. I’m sure if there is something to say, the club will say it. But I have no news.
“Perhaps during December (there will be an answer), perhaps there will be some news, but I don’t know exactly any timelines.
“I understand (why fans are on edge). All of us, everyone in the club would like to know but in reality there is not much we can do.
“From my position as a manager, my job, together with the players, is to make sure we prepare the next game and that we focus on the things we try to control.
“I can understand that the fans would like to know, but I’m sure that as soon as there is news, the club will update us.”
City require improvements on the field so that any potential points deduction does not pull them into a relegation scrap.
They travel to Derby on Saturday having lost their previous two games, both of which saw them fall 3-0 behind by half-time.
“It’s not been the most pleasant week of my life, that’s for sure, but that’s the life of a manager,” Cifuentes added.
“You need to deal well with the good moments and the bad moments, and you’ll have seen that I’m someone who tries to be quite balanced.
“When there are good times, it’s important to keep the feet on the ground. When there are tough moments, you need to make sure you keep the positive energy.”