Google News
Manchester City Football Club is facing severe allegations of violating financial fair play regulations, which may result in the forfeiture of three of their English championship titles. The leadership of the English Premier League (EPL) has accused the club of breaking the fair play rules in each season between 2009 and 2018, presenting an indictment of over ten points.
The club is reportedly facing little chance of escaping without punishment
. The EPL Indictment Since the acquisition of Manchester City by Sheikh Mansour prior to the 2008/2009 season, the club has won a total of six titles, three of which were won during the disputed period.During the time frame covered by the indictment, City were champions in the 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2017/18 seasons. If the verdict strips City of its points, it is highly likely that the club will lose these three titles. In the 2011/12 season, City finished with the same points as second-placed Manchester United, in the 2013/14 season, they had two more points than Liverpool, and in the 2017/18 season, they had 19 more points than United.
However, depending on the severity of the offense, the EPL leadership could revoke the 20 points required to strip City of its title.
Manchester City's Response
In response to the allegations, Manchester City released a statement expressing their surprise at the announcement and stated their intention to use "irrefutable evidence" to clear their name.
The statement 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." What Happens Next? The leaders of Manchester United and Liverpool will be following the trial with great interest, but this does not automatically guarantee them the championship titles.
It is possible that the EPL leadership will make the same decision as the leaders of Serie A did in 2005, when they stripped Juventus of their title but did not declare a new champion. At present, City's titles from the 2018/19, 2020/21, and 2021/22 seasons are not under investigation.
The trial is being closely followed by fans of Manchester United and Liverpool, but it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.