The shadow looms large over Premier League football at the moment.
Manchester City, who have clinched the league title in five of the past six seasons, are now facing 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. An independent commission is set to deliberate on the case later this year.
With City also embroiled in a dispute with the Premier League regarding sponsorship deals and associated party transaction rules, clubs across the league, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, are keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Everton and Nottingham Forest felt the sting of penalties for breaching PSR (profit and sustainability regulations), having been docked a total of eight points last season. Forest on the other hand, were docked six points, which were reduced to four on appeal.
They’ll be keen to see the repercussions for City should they be found culpable. There’s a twist in the tale as financial expert and ex-City advisor Stefan Borson suggests that the actual number of charges might be 130, not 115.
On the BBC’s We’re Not Really Here, a Manchester City Podcast, Borson argued that the figure of 115 was derived from “incorrect” briefings by the Premier League. “115 is actually, straightaway, is 130,” he clarified.
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“But because of an early error from the Premier League and early media briefings it became 115. It’s the most serious allegations.” He also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) last year, posting a graphic detailing the charges and stating: “Pedantic point (not for everyone) “The fact that ‘115 CHARGES’ is trumpeted means it likely came from the Premier League’s media briefing.
“Because it isn’t 115 on any normal counting… it is 129 or 130 (technical 2009/10 point).
The Premier League has been approached for a response.
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