The hearing to determine whether Manchester City violated 115 financial rules is set to conclude next week, and their Premier League rivals are already preparing to seek damages if City is penalized.
In February 2023, City faced 115 charges for allegedly breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules, which the club firmly denies. The trial, which started in September and was expected to last ten weeks, is nearing its end. A verdict is anticipated in the New Year, but City has reportedly learned that several top clubs are ready to pursue compensation if City is found guilty of intentional misconduct.
According to The Times, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham have “lodged legal notices reserving the right to claim compensation” if City is found guilty of severe violations. The clubs were reportedly advised to file notices now due to concerns over a six-year statute of limitations, dating back to November 2018 when allegations against City were first published by Der Spiegel.
The report suggests that these clubs could seek damages under the league’s arbitration rules if City is convicted of major breaches.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho recently joked he might be due a Premier League winner’s medal—and a bonus—if City were stripped of titles from his tenure at Old Trafford.
The charges against City include failing to report accurate financial details from 2009-10 to 2017-18, withholding details on former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay from 2009-10 to 2012-13, and omitting full contract remuneration for players from 2010-11 to 2015-16. City is also accused of failing to fully cooperate with the investigation from 2018 to 2023.
City denies any wrongdoing, stating that they possess a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their case.
