All is now set for the long-awaited Manchester City trial after they were slammed with 115 charges by the Premier League for breaching financial regulations.
Notably, it has been almost 18 months since the Premier League dominoes were slammed with charges for financial irregularities but the trial was delayed while other Premier League clubs like Nottingham Forest and Everton were quickly served punishments for a similar case.
This sparked concerns among analysts on the fairness of the Premier League in enforcing compliance to financial regulations. Premier League Chief Executive Officer Richard Masters dismissed claims of selective justice, saying the Manchester City trial was delayed due to the nature of the offence and the necessity of procedural justice.
Manchester City trial: What is Manchester City actually accused of?
Manchester City is standing trial for breaching financial regulations. The Premier League uses Profit and Sustainability Rules, which limit what a club can spend and lose over three seasons. Premier League Clubs are only allowed to record losses of up to £105 million over three seasons. This is an equivalent of £35m per season.
Manchester City is charged for falsely reporting the club’s financial details. From what they spend on signings, players’ wagers, and on the manager, the Premier League alleges they have reported incorrect financial information to avoid breaking Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
The Premier League statement specifically stating the charges reveals City are charged for false financial reporting for eight seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18 season. This false financial reporting involves players’ and managers’ wage settlements. The bulk of the charges (54 counts) are in this aspect.
Also, five counts of the charges are on the club’s alleged default on UEFA Financial and Fair Play Rules from 2013-14 to 2017-18. Breaching the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rule (PSR) makes seven counts of the charge. For the PSR, the Premier League alleges the club was found wanting from the 2015-15 to the 2017-18 season.
The remaining 35 charges are based on their alleged refusal to cooperate with the Premier League from 2018 to 2023 when the investigation began.
What could be Manchester City’s punishment if they are found guilty?
With the Manchester City trial now in sight, all attention is now focused on what will be the outcome of the trial. As expected, the seven-time Premier League champions are expected to come out unscathed or punished if found guilty. What penalty are they likely to face if they are found guilty?
According to The Times, Manchester City could face three possible penalties if they are found guilty. A more lenient penalty is likely to be a fine. The club could be fined a hefty sum but will be allowed to remain in the English top flight.
Another possible punishment is points deduction. This will be similar to fine in terms of privileges and rights of the team. They will keep their Premier League status and the trophies if penalized with point deduction.
The third possible punishment is the most grimier which will involve relegation to the lower division of the English football league. According to reports, the team could be dropped down to the third division. This will involve them being stripped of all the Premier League titles they have won.
How long will the Manchester City trial last?
The Manchester City trail will start on Monday, September 16, 2024. It has yet to be determined when it will end with the punishment announced.
However, according to the BBC, the trial’s estimated duration is 10 weeks. This means judgment will be expected in the last week of December 2024 or the first week of January 2025.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Manchester City trial
Before Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Brentford, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he is happy the long-awaited trial is near. He also added the legal tussle will and has not affected the players’ or the team’s performance and that the club will accept whatever Independent Commission will decide after the trial.
“I’m happy it starts on Monday and there will be more rumours and we’re going to see,” he said. “I know what people are looking for because I have read it for many years but I’ve said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.”
“We’re going to wait and see. Erling is not a lawyer so we didn’t talk about it,” he added. “What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence.”
Manchester City are leading the Premier League table with maximum 12 points from four games this season and are hoping to defend the England Championships after winning it for the fourth consecutive campaign last season.
They will go through a tight schedule of matches, comprising midweek European fixtures and weekend domestic games while undergoing the trial.
