Leicester City’s downfall is now complete. Just ten years after writing one of football’s greatest underdog stories, the former Premier League champions were relegated to England’s third tier after a 2-2 draw against Hull City.
The result confirmed what had been brewing for weeks. Leicester needed a win to stay alive but the draw left them seven points safe with just two games remaining, sealing relegation to League One.
It was a brutal reality check for a club that once redefined belief. Leicester showed flashes of fight in a thrilling game, even managing to respond after falling behind, but a late equalizer from Hull ensured there was no escape.
This is not a sudden collapse, but the end of a long-term decline. The decisive role was played by a six-point deduction for violating financial rules, thanks to which they constantly raced in the championship standings.
More troubling is the pattern. This is Leicester’s second relegation in a row, having been relegated from the Premier League last season. From champions of England to the third tier in less than a decade, the fall has been swift and steep.
The contrast with their past cannot be ignored. Under Claudio Ranieri, Leicester stunned the world by winning the 2015/16 Premier League at odds of 5000-1, powered by stars such as Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
This fairytale, along with their FA Cup triumph in 2021, has turned Leicester into a global symbol of faith. Today, however, the club faces a completely different challenge — rebuilding from one of the lowest points in its recent history.
Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha accepted responsibility in a statement to fans. “There are no excuses. We have experienced the highest highs and now the lowest lows and the pain is shared by all of us. I am truly sorry for the disappointment we have caused,” he said.
“We are now focused on what comes next. We will take the necessary decisions to move the club forward, working together to rebuild, improve and restore the standards expected of Leicester City. Our aim is clear – to respond strongly and compete to take this club forward again,” he added.
WHAT LEADED TO THE FALL OF LEICESTER CITY
Leicester’s relegation is the result of many problems that have accumulated over time rather than a single failure. The most immediate blow came with a six-point deduction for breaching financial rules that saw them struggle from behind all season.
But the deeper problems lie in the decisions made in the last few years. A lack of sustained investment and planning saw the team gradually decline after their FA Cup success, even as other teams continued to develop.
Managerial instability also played a key role. Since Brendan Rodgers’ departure in 2023, the club has gone through several managers, including Dean Smith and Ruud van Nistelrooy, without establishing a clear identity.
Former defender Robert Huth, who was part of the winning side, emphasized the importance of leadership at the club. “He was so influential. He had a ‘get things done’ attitude,” Huth said, referring to late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The impact of Vichai’s death in 2018 is still being felt. His son, Aiyawatt, took over at a young age and the club has since sought to replicate the same stability and direction.
There have also been concerns about decision-making within the club. Reports of an “we’ll be fine” mindset reflected a sense of complacency that ultimately proved costly as results continued to decline.
Now that League One sales are down significantly, Leicester face a long road back. From a fairytale that inspired the world to a cautionary tale of decline, their journey over the last decade remains one of the most dramatic arcs in modern football.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
22 Apr 2026 10:43 IST
