According to Kieran Maguire and Stefan Borson, it is “unlikely” that Manchester City and the Premier League would come to an agreement before the 115 charges of Premier League regulations are heard.
It is believed that City did not submit proper financial data and did not assist with inquiries that spanned nine seasons, from 2009–10 to 2017–18. An independent committee will hear the case later this year; the club has denied any wrongdoing.
Football finance specialist Maguire and attorney Borson, who formerly worked as a financial adviser at the Etihad Stadium, were questioned if there was any chance that the parties would reach a settlement prior to the hearing on BBC Radio Manchester’s “We’re Not Really Here” podcast.
According to Maguire, “it would definitely save a lot of money on behalf of both sides.” “Either way, it may mean that both parties claim the win, but I don’t think it would be acceptable to the Premier League or City in terms of public opinion, the media’s reaction, and I suspect other teams as well.”
“There are ways in which it may occur under the Premier League rules,” Borson continued. However, I believe they passed up the opportunity for a settlement. It would be quite impossible for them to find political common ground to resolve this now that it is public knowledge and the hearing is quickly approaching.”
The CEO of the Premier League, Richard Masters, provided an update on the hearing back in May, stating: “We have only announced the date of the hearing. When that is has not been specified. These commissions must meet in private and all information must be kept confidential, according to our code.”
Dan Chapman, Leathes Prior’s head of personnel and sports, countered that punishment shouldn’t be completely disregarded. “There is still a great deal of doubt regarding the current state of the Premier League proceedings against Manchester City,” the lawyer stated.
If these accusations are validated, they seem to be significantly more serious than the ones that Nottingham Forest and Everton just accepted. These clubs were accused of breaking expenditure regulations, which they acknowledged. This case is completely different; Manchester City vigorously denies 115 claims that seem to be related to major misconduct.
“It is not unlikely that the hearing may be postponed in whole or in part due to the volume and complexity of the charges, which will provide significant obstacles for all parties involved. The case will be heard by an independent commission with nearly unrestricted authority, and possible punishments include fines, point deductions, and expulsion from the Premier League.
“Manchester City will naturally want to be exonerated of all charges, but in this extremely unusual case, nothing should be ruled out.”
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