Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking compensation worth more than £1billion if Manchester City are found guilty of any or all of their 115 charges for breaches of financial rules. The hearing into City’s complex case is expected to take place in November, which English top-flight clubs will be paying close attention to when considering next steps.
City are currently taking legal action against the Premier League for what they described as ‘unlawful and uncompetitive’ Associated Party Transaction rules, which prevent clubs from signing commercial deals with companies linked to their owners at inflated values.
The Sky Blues, who strongly deny any wrongdoing, will have to wait to discover if they have been successful with their appeal, which could have an impact on their 115 charges hearing if they are successful in their efforts. Premier League sides remain alert to City’s charges and a latest report by The Times has indicated clubs will pursue claims in excess of £1bn if the reigning champions are handed a guilty verdict.
Clubs are understood to have sought legal advice on the matter and could chase “placing claims”, in relation to money lost for not finishing above City in the table.
The report adds there is “an appetite” among Premier League sides to not only hit City with a hefty points deduction if charges are brought against them, but to also apply rules that enable the Premier League to expel a club. There is, however, “no real desire” for Pep Guardiola’s side to be stripped of previous titles.
Speaking out on the 115 charges earlier this week, the Sky Blues’ chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the reference is always frustrating. Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about, I can feel, of course, for our fanbase, for everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.
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“We as a club have to respect that there’s a process that we have to go through, and we’ll go through it. It’s taking longer than anyone hoped for but it is what it is. I hope there’s a bit more sensibility in regulating, [that there is] always a balanced approach.
“This is good for all the leagues, be it in England or the rest of Europe. I think you won’t see the same level [of transfer spending] as we’ve seen in the past few years because of the level of regulations that have come into place over the last 12 months.”
