Manchester City face the very real prospect of the owners being stripped of the club. The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has confirmed it has the power to investigate the “suitability” of owners, directors and executives of clubs.
That raises serious question marks for City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the Abu Dhabi group after being found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules. They were accused of making “sham” contracts, inflating £900m worth of deals and “widespread” deception. Abu Dhabi have bankrolled the club to glory since taking ownership.
IFR chair warns of serious issues
The IFR has the powers to step in and strip ownership of clubs. IFR chair David Kogan said: “The independent commission’s decision raises serious issues.
“The IFR has powers to assess the suitability of owners, directors and executives and we will use these powers where appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by individuals.
“This includes taking account of findings made by the Leagues. However, as the proceedings remain ongoing between Manchester City and the Premier League we will await further developments.”
Appeal and possible punishments
City have until Friday to lodge an appeal which seems certain but there is no set timescale on how long the appeal will take. Rival Premier League clubs are pushing hard to get the case heard before the end of the season - but there is no guarantee of that.
There are further concerns for City as there is a chance they could be expelled from the Premier League which would see them have to join the EFL at League Two or even below. That would take an extraordinary vote and need 15 clubs to vote in favour of that move.
Mirror Sport understands a more likely outcome would be a huge points deduction which would see City relegated but keep them within the system. But they would still have to conform with EFL spending rules and that would mean they would struggle to keep their top stars.
Transfer ban and legal threats
They are also facing a lengthy transfer ban which would affect their ability to rebuild if they are hit with the strongest punishment.
Furthermore, even though Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United took out legal notices to reserve the right to sue it is understood the brutal nature of the Premier League’s findings has made lawyers believe other clubs could successfully sue for damages. They will attack the statute of limitations because of the nature of the fraud in the 40 page legal document opens the door for more clubs and a belief there is no set time.
That could cost them even more money and threaten the club’s finances even further.
