Premier League clubs are reportedly considering legal action against Manchester City after the club was found in breach of 114 financial regulations. The verdict was reached on Friday, three-and-a-half years after City were first charged.
Between 2009 and 2018, City were accused of breaking up to 125 rules, with several Premier League sides missing out on silverware due to their dominance. City have won eight Premier League titles since their first in the 2011/12 campaign, along with domestic cup triumphs and a Champions League win.
Man Utd assessing the impact
Those trophies could now be viewed very differently, with domestic rivals planning to take legal action. According to The Athletic, all those impacted joining forces to launch a class action against City is a possible scenario.
Manchester United, in particular, are worse off due to City's wins and have been looking at their options and assessing the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own fortunes and finances, according to a second report by The Athletic. It has been suggested that United have been specifically looking into the seasons in which they were most severely affected.
Appeal expected first
An appeal from City is expected first, with any action from rival clubs anticipated to follow that process. United were the team that lost out to City for their first title, courtesy of Sergio Aguero's iconic last-gasp goal.
City's extraordinary 100-point campaign, in which United secured second place, also fell within the nine-year timeframe during which City stand accused of financial rule violations. A similar scenario unfolded during the behind-closed-doors season following the Covid-19 outbreak, although this occurred after 2018, the final year covered by the investigation period.
City's statement
Being denied those honours would almost certainly have resulted in financial ramifications for the club across areas including prize money and Club World Cup eligibility. City remain the only party involved to release a public statement on the matter, with the Premier League refusing to comment while the case continues owing to City's appeal.
Via a spokesperson, City stated: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
