Senior football figures have urged the Premier League to hand down Manchester City's punishment for breaching financial regulations before the end of this season. Manchester City was found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The breaches included artificially inflating revenue by more than £900m through "sham" sponsorship deals. The club has repeatedly denied guilt and signaled an intent to lodge an appeal.
The Premier League's investigation into Manchester City's financial dealings has taken three years, and there have been fears that the process could be drawn out for much longer. However, senior figures within football have told BBC Sport that they see no reason why the case cannot be concluded by the end of this season. One club official said it benefits everyone for this to be resolved as quickly as possible. The official added that they instinctively believe it will be resolved soon, but it has to be done right.
The final decision on Manchester City's punishment rests in the hands of an independent commission, with the Premier League board and the club able to suggest a suitable punishment. There is a desire to have the case resolved by the end of the season amid fears that allowing City to get to the end of the campaign without punishment could lead to uncertainty and farce. Premier League regulations state that an appeal should conclude no more than 12 weeks after it is filed, and a decision should be made within 30 days of its end.
Manchester City's chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has suggested that the case will run for a long time. However, the Premier League's statement formally announcing the guilty verdicts said it wants the process to be "concluded as soon as possible". Manchester City cannot make a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but could potentially claim the process was not impartial at the High Court.
City's sponsor, Etihad Airways, has said it is considering legal action against the Premier League. Etihad "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements". The airline was given no opportunity to engage in a process that now reflects "adversely on the airline".
Etihad Airways expressed deep concern about the way the matter has been communicated publicly, citing a lack of clarity and transparency. The airline added that the selective disclosure of information has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision. Etihad will seek legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.
The Premier League declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport. Key stakeholders are eager to see a resolution to the case, which has been ongoing for three years. The outcome will have significant implications for Manchester City and the Premier League as a whole.
Key points
- Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations between 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
- The club's punishment should be handed down before the end of this season, according to senior football figures.
- Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League.
