An independent commission began hearing the allegations against English football champions Manchester City in London on Monday. British media reported this unanimously. The Premier League is investigating coach Pep Guardiola’s club in 115 cases of alleged financial violations. The league had already filed charges in February 2023 and handed the case over to the independent commission.
115 alleged violations between 2009 and 2023
The charges relate to the period between the 2009-2010 and 2022-2023 seasons. Man City is accused of providing incorrect financial information, including sponsorship income, connections to business partners, operating costs and salary information for coaches and players.
The club, which is financed by sheikhs from Abu Dhabi, is said to have violated UEFA’s financial regulations and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The Premier League also accuses City officials, who deny the allegations, of not having cooperated with investigators during the investigation.
If convicted, severe penalties may apply
If Manchester City is found guilty, the club, which won the championship six times in the last seven years under coach Pep Guardiola, faces a drastic punishment. A point deduction is conceivable and, in the worst case, exclusion from the Premier League. Last season, Everton FC had points deducted twice for financial violations. A guilty verdict for Man City could also lead to compensation claims from other Premier League clubs.
The hearing will take place behind closed doors at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in central London and is expected to last around ten weeks. A decision from the commission is expected early next year. If there is an appeal afterwards, which is considered likely, the final decision could not be made until shortly before the end of the current season.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240916-930-234392/1
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