Liverpool will be keenly watching as the case against Manchester City for an alleged 115 breaches of Premier League profit and sustainability rules could start as early as next week.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters confirmed on Tuesday during a House of Commons select committee meeting about the lack of agreement over a new financial deal between the Premier League and EFL, that a date has been set for the City case to be heard.
In February 2023, allegations of 115 breaches of Premier League rules were made public. These accusations go back nearly 10 years in some instances and include the supposed inflation of commercial deals to get around PSR rules.
During the time these breaches are said to have occurred, Manchester City has become the leading force in English football, winning the competition seven times. Five of these victories have come within the last six seasons, with only Liverpool’s run to the title in 2019/20 breaking the winning streak of Pep Guardiola’s team.
City’s success and their financial power under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour’s City Football Group has made it increasingly hard to challenge their dominance at the top of English football. However, Liverpool is hoping to do just that this season, currently sitting at the top of the table, two points ahead of City in second place.
Everton was found to have breached PSR for the three-year reporting period up to June 2022, according to charges laid down 11 months ago. As a result, an independent commission handed them a 10-point deduction with immediate effect, which Everton is appealing.
On Monday, it was announced that Everton and Nottingham Forest were discovered to be in breach of PSR for the three-year term up to 2023. Both teams now face an independent commission.
Until now, little information has come out about Manchester City’s situation. However, the Telegraph reported on Wednesday that ‘developments’ concerning the issue may arise as soon as next week.
Masters spoke on Tuesday, saying: “I can (understand fans’ frustration) but they are very different charges (for Everton, when compared to Manchester City). When any club, the current champions or otherwise, found themselves in breach for 2022/23 then they would be in exactly the same position as Everton and Nottingham Forest.”
“The volume and character of the charges against Manchester City, which I cannot talk about, are being heard in a completely different environment. There is a date set for that proceeding, I can’t tell you when that is but it is progressing. A date has been set.”
The case involving Manchester City is being looked at by an independent commission, just like the cases for Forest and Everton. This commission will be chosen by Murray Rosen KC, who leads the Premier League’s judicial panel.
All decisions made by the independent commission are shared on the Premier League website, following the Premier League’s rules. Both Manchester City and the League will likely know about the decision before it’s shared with everyone else.
Manchester City has strongly defended itself, denying any wrongdoing and rejecting the alleged breaches brought against them by the Premier League. Even though the case might be getting closer to starting, it’s expected to take a long time because of the number of charges that need to be looked at and decided on. There’s also the chance for any appeals to be made if they’re found guilty.
