Manchester City could face more than just expulsion from the Premier League if found guilty of breaching financial fair play (FFP) regulations.
The club is currently embroiled in what is being called the “Trial of the Century,” facing accusations of 115 alleged FFP breaches.
These accusations involve failing to provide accurate financial information over nine years starting in 2009, along with claims that they did not cooperate with subsequent investigations.
The club has denied all allegations and assembled a high-profile legal team to defend itself. A verdict on the case is not expected until early 2025. While the Premier League has the power to relegate City if the charges are proven, the potential consequences could extend beyond that.
According to The Telegraph, if Manchester City is found guilty, they could face exclusion from various competitions, including the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the Club World Cup.
The FA Cup’s rule clause 31 states: “Where a club has been admitted to participate in the competition but is then removed from the league in which it competes (or its league fixtures are suspended), the Professional Game Board [PGB] may remove the club from the competition.”
Given that the PGB consists of representatives from both the Premier League and the English Football League, further punishment could be imposed if City were expelled from domestic competitions, potentially triggering ramifications at the European level.
Despite the gravity of these accusations, Manchester City remains confident that they will be cleared of all charges. The club asserts it has a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support its case. Speaking on the matter, City manager Pep Guardiola said, “It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide.
I’m looking forward to the decision. I’m happy it starts on Monday, and I know there will be more rumors about the sentences that come up, and we’re going to see.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also expressed his desire to clear the club’s name and move past the ongoing scrutiny. Referring to City’s recent accomplishments, including four consecutive Premier League titles and their historic treble in the 2022/23 season, he remarked, “Of course, it’s frustrating.
I think the referencing is always frustrating. Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about. I can feel for our fanbase and everyone associated with the club to have these charges constantly referenced.”
Al Mubarak further emphasized the importance of due process: “I think we as a club have to respect that there is a process that we have to go through, and we’re going through it. It’s taking longer than what anyone hoped for, but it is what it is, and I’ve always repeated, let’s be judged by the facts, and not by claims and counterclaims.”
If Manchester City is ultimately found guilty, the repercussions could have a far-reaching impact on both their domestic and international competition status, potentially altering the football landscape significantly.
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