Delay over Man City case creates ‘uncertainty’ says Premier League chief
LONDON: Premier League chief executive Richard Masters acknowledges that the ongoing legal cases against Manchester City and other top teams are causing “uncertainty and frustration” as the new season approaches.
An independent commission is set to decide on the 115 charges against Manchester City for alleged financial rule violations during the season.
In addition, Leicester and Everton are also facing cases related to alleged breaches of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.
When asked if these unresolved financial issues would affect the 2024/25 season, Masters told Sky Sports: “It does matter, and I understand it creates uncertainty and some frustration, but we have to enforce the rules that everyone agreed to at the start of the season. Clubs agreed to follow these rules, so the Premier League must enforce them. Even though it might be difficult or frustrating, it’s important to maintain the competition’s integrity, which is part of my job.”
City, aiming for a fifth straight Premier League title, have won the league twice since the charges were filed last year, which they strongly deny. Reports suggest the hearing for City’s case could begin in September, but Masters didn’t provide a specific timeline.
“I think it needs to be resolved,” he said. “But it’s not in our control. An independent panel is handling it, and we have to let them do their job.”
The alleged breaches by City involve rules requiring accurate financial reporting and providing details of manager and player pay in contracts. They also relate to the club’s responsibility to follow UEFA’s financial regulations and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
City is also accused of not cooperating with the Premier League’s investigation, which began in December 2018.
Last season, Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked points for breaking the league’s profitability and sustainability rules, which limit losses to a maximum of £105 million ($134 million) over three seasons.
Masters said he couldn’t speculate on whether there will be charges related to the 2023-24 season because the assessment process doesn’t start until the end of the year when audited accounts are available.
