A selection of Premier League clubs want another investigation to be launched against Manchester City, but chief executives are reportedly divided on the move.
In September, the division confirmed City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges levied against them. City have appealed the verdict and continue to insist they have the evidence to absolve them of the charges.
Disagreement over second probe
The original investigation focused on Premier League financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018, with other charges of failing to cooperate with investigations also being levelled at them.
However, it has now been claimed that some Premier League clubs want the division to investigate City's finances from 2018 onwards to see if any other rules have been broken. There is also a reluctance from some chief executives in the Premier League, with clubs seemingly disagreeing.
According to the Independent, some officials believe opening a second investigation into the last eight seasons will put the sport into an awkward "dilemma". One of the key parts of the independent commission's verdict was how City used "sham" sponsorship deals that were disguised as owner investment.
Concerns over evidence and timing
With these in mind, it is believed many executives are wondering if they had stopped doing this in 2018, with one source reportedly asking, "What changed overnight?"
The Independent Commission also concluded City and its Abu Dhabi-based sponsors were "related parties" and, provided the relationships did not change, many feel this could be the foundation for more charges in subsequent seasons.
However, considering the current saga is yet to finish, nearly three years after the Premier League published their allegations against City, some also believe bringing another lengthy investigation may be bad for the game. There is already disillusionment about the current season due to the uncertainty around City.
Potential sanctions and appeal
Sanctions are yet to be brought against the club, and there is also concern they will appeal any punishment handed against them, which may kick the saga into the long grass again. Many feel it would be better for the Premier League if a line is drawn under the charges once and for all.
From the 2017-18 campaign onwards, Pep Guardiola oversaw one of the strongest sides in Premier League history. He won all six of his Premier League titles during the very eight-year period some executives want investigated.
Others have also reportedly suggested a threat of a second investigation could be a good bargaining tool in the event City continue to drag the case out. Moreover, with the evidence of the original investigation being rooted in a cascade of leaked emails from football leaks, which were first published by Der Spiegel in 2018 (which covered the period from 2009 and 2018), others believe the same level of evidence which prompted the first investigation may not be present for a second.
A decision on City's punishment and appeal hearing, meanwhile, is expected to be delivered in the New Year, with potential punishments ranging from a points deduction, huge fine and Premier League expulsion.
