Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirming the club’s long-awaited financial fair play case will be resolved “in the near future.” This news comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the 115 alleged financial irregularities City has been accused of, dating back to their ownership change in 2009.
However, a cloud of inconsistency hangs over the process. While City awaits their hearing, other Premier League clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest have already faced sanctions for financial breaches, including point deductions. This disparity has sparked criticism, particularly from Everton manager Sean Dyche, who questioned why City appears exempt from punishment despite the sheer volume of accusations against them.
“Like the rest of people, we just wonder why there is one rule for one and another for the others,” Dyche said at a press conference, adding “People on the streets wonder why Everton? I don’t remember the exact number, but City has more than 100 accusations behind them. I don’t question City. I don’t know what they have done or what they haven’t, but what is certain is that it has been a long time.”
While Masters confirmed a hearing date exists, details remain confidential. This lack of transparency fuels frustration for fans and rival clubs alike. City maintains their innocence through club president Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who emphasized their “very well run” operations and trust in the legal process.
“The club, as a whole, is very well run. The value of the entire group is over $6 billion, so we have created great value and attracted some of the best investors in the world. Because? Because we have here a commercial machine that is one of the best in the world,” Al Mubarak said.
“Now we are going through this legal process and what I normally do is comment afterwards. These procedures are going to take time and when they are finished I promise you that we will talk. I will give you my most sincere opinion, because I have many things to say, but now, unfortunately, I can’t do it,” added City’s main leader.
The wait for a resolution seems particularly long compared to the swift action taken against other clubs. It’s understandable why some, like Dyche, question the apparent double standard. Fans are left wondering: will City face consequences if found guilty, and will the punishment be proportionate to the alleged offenses?
