Man City’s rivals ‘demand Premier League relegation’ after Premier League’s biggest ever scandal
A head of one of Manchester City’s competitors, whose identity has not been disclosed, has demanded their demotion if they are found guilty of violating 115 Financial Fair Play regulations.
Despite the Premier League’s recent accusations of misconduct, Manchester City has embraced further examination into their finances and remains confident that they will be exonerated from the charges.
On Monday, the Premier League revealed the results of a four-year investigation into Manchester City’s finances, which uncovered multiple violations of Financial Fair Play rules over a period of nine years. During this time, City experienced significant success in domestic competition.
The findings have been referred to a separate “independent commission.” The Premier League accuses City of concealing the actual salaries of players and managers, hiding the sources of their finances, and not cooperating with the investigation, among other allegations.
City reacted to the news by releasing a statement that read: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
The severity of City’s punishment will be determined by the findings of the commission’s investigation, although some parties are already considering potential outcomes.
One club executive reportedly told The Sun: “If these charges are proven there must be proper punishment – and the only fitting one is for them to be relegated.
“We’re talking about a decade of alleged abuses and want the Premier League to do the right thing.”
The report adds that City’s rivals would like to see them relegated if they are found guilty and would like to see them severely punished if they are found guilty.
Clubs reportedly hope that a verdict will be reached “quickly” and that City will be punished before the end of the season, despite the fact that no deadline has been established.
The club and Premier League may also appeal the investigation’s findings, which is likely to prolong the process.
In W.51 of the Premier League’s handbook, relegation is listed as one of the potential punishments that Pep Guardiola’s team could face, but there are many other options that could be applied once the commission has completed its investigation.
The severity of the punishments must be proportional to the number of charges the club is found guilty of, with point deductions and fines also possible.
Man City’s rivals ‘demand Premier League relegation’ after Premier League’s biggest ever scandal
