Manchester City could face compensation claims totalling more than £1billion if they are found guilty of any of the 115 financial charges from the Premier League, according to a report.
The allegations – which City deny in full – comprise accusations of illicit revenue sourcing and un-cooperation. The independent panel hearing in relation to these charges is expected to begin later this year, with November being mooted as a possible start time.
The process is expected to last six weeks, with either party permitted to appeal the outcome of the tribunal. If ultimately found guilty, rival Premier League clubs could choose to press compensation claims against Man City.
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That’s according to The Times, which suggests that such claims could be put forward even if City are found to have breached any – and not necessarily all – of the allegations. These would be on the basis of a loss of earnings for finishing below a club – City – who would have been deemed to have cheated.
The report claims some clubs wish to see City relegated if found guilty albeit there is a lack of desire to see the club stripped of former titles. The allegations address matters between 2009 and 2018, in which time City won three titles.
The Times moots that clubs fear a guilty verdict would not be met by the warranted level of sanction by the Premier League, while some are meanwhile incensed that City have decided to launch a legal challenge against the League over transaction rules that the Blues agreed to pass in 2021.
It emerged on Tuesday that City are suing the Premier League over said Associated Party Transaction rules that were brought in on the back of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover of Newcastle United.
The regulations stipulate that the League has the right to oversee deals between entities connected with club owners to ensure fees are not inflated above fair market value. Bloated transactions above the market rate would afford clubs more headspace within spending rules and lengthen the gap between the richest clubs and the rest.
City feel as though this watchdog rule is unlawful and are looking to claim damages from the Premier League, and are thought to have a number of clubs supporting their stance. A two-week hearing over the case is due to begin on Monday.