The English Premier League is seeking an early conclusion to Manchester City’s financial regulations case, with senior football figures telling BBC Sport that the matter should ideally be resolved before the end of the current season.
Manchester City was found guilty of charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The allegations included claims that the club artificially increased its revenue by more than £900 million through sponsorship arrangements.
City has consistently denied the allegations and is expected to appeal the verdict.
The case has already taken three years since the charges were brought, prompting concerns that any eventual punishment could be delayed further. However, football officials cited by BBC Sport said there was no clear reason why the process could not be completed this season.
One club official said a quick resolution would be beneficial to all parties, while another expressed the view that the case should be concluded before the campaign ends, with any appeal handled within a shorter timeframe.
The punishment will be determined by an independent commission. Both the Premier League and Manchester City will be allowed to make submissions on the appropriate sanction before the commission reaches its decision.
There is pressure for the matter to be settled before the season ends because another campaign without a punishment could create uncertainty, particularly if Manchester City are involved in the Premier League title race.
Premier League regulations state that an appeal would normally be completed within 12 weeks of being lodged, with a decision expected within 30 days after the appeal concludes. However, it is unclear whether those timelines will apply directly to Manchester City’s case.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano has previously indicated that the proceedings could take a considerable amount of time.
Manchester City cannot appeal further to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although a challenge at the High Court could potentially be made on grounds relating to impartiality.
The Premier League said it wanted the case to be concluded as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways, has rejected suggestions that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements. The airline said it was considering legal advice over how the findings were communicated.
Etihad also said it was not given an opportunity to participate in the process and expressed concern that public statements by the Premier League had created damaging implications for the company. The league declined to comment on the airline’s statement.
Source: PUNCH
