Premier League clubs are planning potential legal action against Manchester City following their guilty verdict on 114 financial rule breaches. With the club earning huge success during the nine-year period they are accused of breaching regulations, others in England look to be after financial compensation.
Success Under Scrutiny
City claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2011/12 campaign, when they famously snatched the crown from Manchester United on the final day of the season. Domestic cup competitions and one Champions League have also been claimed since 2009 with the legitimacy of those triumphs now under scrutiny.
And the Premier League sides that were potentially impacted negatively want repercussions, as per The Athletic. They have claimed legal action is being planned by City's domestic rivals with one scenario seeing all those impacted coming together to form a class action.
United's Stance
United, specifically, have already been looking into their options and the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own success and finances, as per another report from The Athletic.
An appeal from City is anticipated first, however, with any action from rival clubs expected to follow that process. It has been further suggested that United have been specifically scrutinising the seasons in which they were most adversely affected.
Topping that list would undoubtedly be the 2011/12 campaign, when Sergio Aguero's iconic last-gasp goal wrested the title away from United.
Financial Consequences
City's remarkable 100-point season, during which United finished as runners-up, also fell within the nine-year period in which City are accused of committing financial breaches.
The same situation occurred during the campaign without supporters following the Covid-19 pandemic, though this came after 2018, which marks the final season under the club's investigation period.
Missing out on those trophies would almost certainly have carried financial consequences for the club in areas such as prize money and Club World Cup qualification.
Ferdinand's Reaction
United legend Rio Ferdinand has already expressed his views emphatically on what he hopes will transpire through several posts on social media platform X.
He first said: "Another premier league medal to be added to the cabinet [eyes emoji]." He also called for medals to be awarded to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who were at the helm during seasons where United finished runners-up to City.
He wrapped up his demands by declaring: "Seriously tho.... Ryan Giggs should have 14 Premier League titles [nine laughing face emojis]. Come on @premierleague."
City's Response
City remain the sole party involved to issue a public statement on the issue, with the Premier League declining to comment while the matter continues due to City's appeal.
Through a spokesperson, City said: "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."
