The Premier League has set a date for Manchester City’s 115-charge Financial Fair Play case to be heard, but they will not be making that public.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The reigning champions of England, who savoured a historic Treble triumph in 2022-23, are aware that serious questions are being asked of them off the field. It was revealed in 2023 that City’s financial business is set to fall under the microscope following a five-year investigation – with charges dating back to 2009.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Other Premier League clubs have been stung by FFP penalties, with Everton already taking one 10-point deduction this season. They have been informed that they are under investigation again, along with Nottingham Forest, and are preparing to enter into another legal battle with English football’s rule makers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Supporters at Goodison Park, the City Ground and far beyond Merseyside and the East Midlands have questioned why their cases are seemingly being rushed through – ahead of rule changes in August 2024 – when the likes of City and Chelsea are seemingly allowed to spend as much as they want before any action is taken.
WHAT MASTERS SAID
Premier League CEO Richard Masters has sought to address that issue, but has stopped short of revealing when City’s date with destiny will come. He says “I can” understand the frustration of Everton and Forest fans, but added on City’s case: “There is a date but I can’t tell you when it is.”
WHAT NEXT?
If City were to be found guilty of bending the rules or breaking them entirely, then they could face any number of sanctions. Fines and points deductions have historically been the way forward, with the potential there for Pep Guardiola’s side to be hit with a penalty that rules them out of future domestic title bids.