Manchester City has found itself facing charges for over 100 rule breaches following an extensive investigation that began in December 2018. The Premier League, however, has declined to comment on whether these charges will be considered this year, though it is believed that they will. The duration of the proceedings is unknown as it is up to the commission to set the timeline.
In a recent statement, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters revealed that new rules were being considered to align the league with UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations. UEFA is gradually implementing a system where clubs must keep squad costs below 70% of their revenue. Masters stated that the existing Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) would remain in place for this season and the next.
Masters also discussed ongoing investigations into Chelsea’s financial conduct under former owner Roman Abramovich. The club’s new leadership has self-reported information, and the Premier League is still actively looking into the matter. The charges against Chelsea range from failing to provide accurate financial information to non-compliance with UEFA regulations.
The trial regarding Man City’s alleged breaches of the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules will commence in Autumn 2024, with a verdict expected in the summer of 2025. The potential consequences of the ruling could be severe, including points deductions or even relegation. It has been a long ordeal for the club, as they were already under investigation from 2019 to 2023. Man City has consistently maintained their innocence, asserting that they have not violated any FFP regulations.
In 2020, Manchester City was initially handed a two-season ban from UEFA competitions and fined £26.8 million. However, the club successfully appealed the ban and had the fine reduced to £8.9 million. The FFP charges have cast a looming shadow over the club for far too long, and they are eager for a final ruling to be reached.
The charges against Manchester City span a period of nine years, from 2009 to 2018, and have been laid out in a statement by the Premier League in February 2023. These charges will now be carefully reviewed and analyzed by an independent commission. It’s important to note that this commission operates independently of the Premier League and its member clubs.
Contrary to public expectations, the trial proceedings will not be held in public. According to Premier League rules, all hearings before an independent commission remain private and confidential. This decision is deemed necessary for the best interest of Manchester City and the Premier League, as a public trial could potentially cause further complications.
Due to the confidential nature of the trial, there will be no media reports on its proceedings. The public, including the media, will only become aware of the verdict once it is published on the Premier League’s website. The decision is anticipated to be made in the summer of 2025, following the trial which is set to begin in Autumn 2024.
