Reading of the Premier League press release, this Monday, is as pleasant as that of an accounting balance sheet. But the repercussions could be enormous for Manchester City, targeted by this document which announces the creation of an independent commission to shed light on alleged financial embezzlement. According The Timesthe penalties could range from a withdrawal of points to demotion.
The period studied is vast, since it extends from 2009 to 2018. The Cityzens, six times champions of England for eleven years, are suspected of having circumvented “the rules of the Premier League applicable during these seasons which required the provision by a member club to the Premier League, in good faith, of accurate financial information which gives a true and fair view of the financial position of the club”.
Roberto Mancini’s remuneration in the viewfinder
This concerns City’s income, but also its operating costs. The details of the remuneration of Roberto Mancini, manager of the Mancunian club between 2009 and 2013, are also targeted. Another grievance: a possible non-compliance with UEFA regulations, in particular on club licensing and financial fair play, between 2013 and 2018.
Manchester City had been banned from European competitions for two years by UEFA for alleged breaches of its regulations in February 2020, but the sanction was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July 2020.