An update on Manchester City’s 115 charges case with the Premier League, with a respected journalist revealing whether the club will be stripped of its titles.
The Premier League accused City of 115 breaches of financial rules in February 2023, though it has been reported that the true number could be as high as 130 due to confusion over the charges’ breakdown.
The hearing began in September, and the closing arguments were heard on December 6.
An unnamed three-person panel is reviewing the case before making a decision that could significantly impact English football. A verdict has not yet been reached.
City’s charges stem from alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules from 2009 to 2018. The club has consistently denied all changes, claiming that their case is supported by a “body of irrefutable evidence”.
According to BBC Sport, if City is found guilty, the commission can impose punishments such as a points deduction or relegation.
Meanwhile, Kieran Maguire, a finance expert, has stated that the City has “very narrow grounds for appeal” if they lose the case.
However, journalists and experts spoke with Sky News at the Business of Football summit about whether City’s eight Premier League titles could be stripped.
Journalist weighs in on the Manchester City case
Matt Hughes, formerly of the Times, claimed that from the people he has spoken with, “there appears to be no appetite” to accept appropriate punishment, and that any sanctions will focus on moving forward.
Simon Leaf, Head of Sport and Commercial & Technology Lawyer at Mishcon de Reya, was also sceptical, citing the difficulties of legal challenges from other clubs who believe they should receive compensation if City is found guilty.
“We don’t know what the outcome will be,” he said.
“I suspect that, especially when money is involved, some clubs will believe they are entitled to merit payments in the table or even sponsorship bonuses for finishing in a different position. I think it’s too early to say.”
Martin Lipton of The Sun agreed, but added that if City were stripped of their titles, the league’s most memorable moment would be effectively buried because it was created by the Blues against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
Lipton weighed in, saying, “Obviously, clubs could file compensation claims against City if they are found guilty under the current rulebook. If titles were stripped, the single most iconic moment in Premier League history, Sergio Aguero’s 94th-minute winner against QPR, would not have occurred. “You simply cannot rewrite history to that extent.”
Jose Mourinho expressed optimism in October about adding another Premier League title to his collection. The Fenerbahce player reminded everyone that his Manchester United finished second to City in the 2017/18 Premier League season, earning a record 100 points.
Mourinho stated in a press conference ahead of a reunion with United: “I believe we still have a chance to win that league because they may punish Man City with points, and we may win that league. Then they have to pay me the bonus and award me the medal.”
Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, stated at the beginning of February that the verdict could be reached in “one month”.
Speaking on NBC, David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed that the verdict will come in one or two months and stressed that the club are “totally confident they will be exonerated and prove their innocence” – hence their spending spree in the January transfer window.
