After four years of investigation, reigning English champions Manchester City are embroiled in a legal fight against charges brought by the Premier League. The charges include over 100 alleged breaches of the competition’s financial rules. The Premier League said it would be referring the charges to an independent commission. Manchester City issued a statement saying they were “surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches” and welcomed the prospect of an independent commission that would consider the evidence that supports the club’s position.
Their case came under the spotlight when Everton was deducted 10 points for breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability laws. Manchester City has been charged with alleged breaches of rules requiring “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position” during a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. They also face charges of not fully cooperating with the investigation, which began in December 2018.
The full list of charges brought against the club by the Premier League includes allegations concerning the club’s revenue, sponsorship revenue, manager remuneration from 2009-2012, and player remuneration from 2010-2015. The Premier League also accuses the club of not complying with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations.
Manchester City have welcomed the review of the matter by an independent Commission and look forward to putting the matter to rest. However, in May 2022, manager Pep Guardiola revealed that he would quit the club if his bosses ever lied to him about any wrongdoing at the top level. According to a report in The Times, City has launched a legal challenge against the charges.
Given the time the investigation has taken to complete, it is expected that City will have plenty of time to respond to the allegations. We may be looking at years before this matter is properly settled. It is still uncertain what sanctions or punishments the club will face if found guilty of any of the alleged breaches. This matter is still to be decided by the independent commission appointed by the Premier League.
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