Manchester City Breaking Financial Rules

As of recently, it was found out that Manchester City F.C. was found breaking the financial rules within football, and have been charged by the Premier League. In English and international football, they are known to be dominant, and are one of the biggest teams in the world. Since 2008, they have won six league titles, and the Premier League 3 times.

Why are they being charged?

Over an investigation lasting four years, it was found by the Premier League that Manchester City had broken financial rules over 100 times from 2009 to 2018. One of the breaches was that the club didn't provide correct financial information. For example, one of the managers was getting paid a lot more than what was said by the club. The club also did not provide accurate financial information about the clubs revenue (Sponsorship and sales).

Has this happened elsewhere?

Yes- Last month, Italian club Juventus F.C.They are in the top tier of Italian football, Serie A. They were deducted 15 points on the table for incorrect financial information. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said it was in relation to historic transfer dealings. As well as this deduction for incorrect information, 11 current and former members were prevented from holding office in Italian football by the FIGC. The longest single ban (30 months) was also given to former Juventus sporting director, Fabio Paratici (currently Tottenham Hotspurs director). Of course they denied these accusations, but the punishments were still put in place.

What punishments could take place for Manchester city?

They could receive from the Independent Commission:

• Suspend the club from playing league matches

• Points deductions

• Recommend to the board that league matches be replayed

• Recommend to the board that the league expels the respondent club

• Order compensation

• Cancel or refuse registration of players

• Order them to pay costs

Overall

While Juventus got points deducted, by many this is seen as the biggest Premier League financial scandal in history. This is seen as extremely significant for the English Premier league, but also internationally. Many clubs think a punishment is the necessary response, while Manchester City rivals, Manchester United want what's worse for them.

By Libbie Jewell