Manchester City are facing 115 charges from the Premier League since February 2023, primarily related to alleged financial rule breaches with heavy sanctions to come if found guilty.
These allegations span a significant period from 2009 to 2018, and the case hearing has begun today at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Here’s a summary look at the charges and potential consequences:
1. Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches: Manchester City are accused of overstating sponsorship revenue to meet UEFA and Premier League’s FFP regulations, which limit how much clubs can spend relative to their earnings.
This includes allegedly inflating sponsorship deals and hiding financial irregularities
2. Non-cooperation with investigations: The club have been accused of failing to fully cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation by not providing accurate information or complying with the inquiries made over the years.
3. Manager compensation details: One of the charges alleges that Manchester City failed to provide accurate information regarding manager Roberto Mancini’s compensation, suggesting they might have made additional, undisclosed payments to him during his stay with the club.
4. Youth development and third-party ownership regulations: The club have also been accused of breaches related to signing youth players and failing to comply with third-party ownership rules.
Potential Punishments
If Manchester City are found guilty of these charges, a range of penalties could be imposed.
1. Points deduction: If found guilty, the club could face a significant points deduction in the Premier League, affecting its standings and potentially even relegation if the deduction is severe.
2. Financial penalties: Heavy fines could be imposed on the club, similar to past punishments in European competitions. However, Premier League fines tend to be larger than those seen in UEFA competitions.
3. Transfer ban: The Premier League may impose a transfer ban, preventing the City from registering new players for one or more transfer windows, as seen in other FFP-related cases.
4. Stripping of titles: The club could potentially be stripped of titles won during periods of financial irregularities, although this is seen as a more drastic and less likely punishment.
5. Expulsion from the Premier League: Although unlikely, the most severe punishment would be expulsion from the Premier League, similar to the sanctions seen in Italy’s “Calciopoli” scandal.
6. Suspension or removal of key individuals: Club executives or other individuals could be banned or suspended from football operations if they are found to be complicit in any wrongdoing
The club have denied any wrongdoing and has been defending itself vigorously. They believe the charges are part of a long-term campaign against them and have argued that their finances are transparent.
Manchester City is being represented by Lord Pannick KC, one of Britain’s highly revered Barristers, alongside Paul Harris KC from Monckton Chambers and Serle Court’s Philip Marshall KC.
The Citizens’ legal defence team also includes London law firm Clifford Chance.
The Premier League legal team is being led by Adam Lewis KC, who is considered as the leading expert on sports law and he will be assisted by Andrew Hunter KC and some others from Blackstone Chambers.
The hearing is expected to take place within 10 weeks with a verdict delivered next year, which means any potential sanction on Manchester City will be meted out next season.
