Man City finally get their day in court as EPL hearing looms
Will City be playing Newcastle United or Newcastle University come next season, or will they just get handed a fine, a points deduction, and play transfer tag with Chelsea for a bit?
And so it begins. Manchester City is bracing for a crucial hearing regarding 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. Initially slated for November, the independent commission is now anticipated to convene in the middle of September, unless unforeseen legal obstacles arise they manage to drag their legal heels some more. The hearing, spanning ten weeks, will culminate in a verdict expected in early 2025.
Specific Allegations
The alleged breaches encompass a range of financial irregularities, spanning nine seasons. These include:
Failure to provide accurate financial information.
Not disclosing full details of former manager Roberto Mancini's remuneration.
Not providing complete information regarding player payments, including those of Yaya Touré.
Non-cooperation with the investigation and failure to submit required documents.
The full list of charges:
1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:
(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80;
(b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87;
(c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12;
(d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12;
(e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49;
(f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;
(g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;
(h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and
(i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.2. In respect of:
(a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:
(1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and
(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and
(b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:
(1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20;
(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20;
(3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and
(4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:
(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and
(b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:
(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and
(b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.5. In respect of the period from December 2018 to date, the Premier League Rules applicable in the relevant Seasons requiring a member club to cooperate with, and assist, the Premier League in its investigations, including by providing documents and information to the Premier League in the utmost good faith, namely:
(a) for Season 2018/19, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(b) for Season 2019/20, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(c) for Season 2020/21, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(d) for Season 2021/22, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16; and
(e) for Season 2022/23, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16.
Potential Outcomes of the Case
The Premier League has a wide array of sanctions at its disposal if Manchester City is found guilty of the alleged breaches. These include:
Points Deductions: The Premier League can deduct points from Manchester City's current or future seasons, potentially impacting their league standing and chances of qualifying for European competitions.
Fines: The club could be subjected to substantial fines, potentially reaching millions of pounds.
Transfer Bans: The Premier League has the authority to impose restrictions on Manchester City's ability to buy or sell players during specific transfer windows.
Expulsion from the Premier League: In the most severe scenario, if the most serious charges are proven, Manchester City could face expulsion from the Premier League, resulting in relegation to a lower division.
City's Stance and Background
With Lord Pannick KC leading their defence, Manchester City have always maintained their innocence claiming they have "irrefutable evidence".
The Premier League's investigation into Manchester City commenced in 2018, triggered by the publication of "Football Leaks" documents. These documents included copies of Mancini's contract, image rights agreements, and emails suggesting direct payment of sponsorship money by City's owners.
In 2019, City received a two-year ban from European competition by UEFA, only to have it overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, certain aspects of the UEFA case, such as alleged disguised equity funding through Etisalat, remain under scrutiny in the Premier League's investigation.
So, what happens?
There’s not much chance of them being docked over a thousand points and jettisoned to the Northern League Division Two to face Billingham Synthonia and Esh Winning, but it’d be nice.
Whatever happens, and how the public at large understand the case, it’s unlikely they’ll face a punishment that is considered suitable. But, the fallout is going to be immense. Start stripping them of titles, then what of relegated clubs? What stops them from taking their ball and it being a precursor to starting the Super League? Then what for the Premier League? A few million fine, suspended points deduction, and a transfer embargo? Again, the cynicism surrounding the Premier League will damage it further as a brand.
Most hated club in football? Achievement unlocked.
In Other Soccer News
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The Guardian’s interactive transfer thing.
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Stat(s) of the Day
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Goal of the Day
Vitinho scores Burnley’s fourth after quite the lung-bursting run from Lyle Foster:
Man-Management of the Day
Proof that Vincent Kompany was struggling to believe his own bullshit:
Quote of the Day
“The players know my thoughts. I told them after the game if I see a performance like that from any player, whether they have been at the club a long time or are new to the club they won’t play.”
- Wayne Rooney after his first game in charge at Plymouth ended in a 4-0 drubbing against Sheffield Wednesday.
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