Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has waded into the ongoing controversy surrounding Manchester City's alleged financial breaches, stating that the investigation has dragged on for 'far too long'. The Premier League charged City with 115 violations of financial fair play rules in February 2023, covering a period from 2009 to 2017, but a verdict is still pending, with reports suggesting a decision may not come until October.
Speaking in an interview with Gary Neville for the Overlap, Levy said: 'I think it would be really unfair of me to talk about another club in the Premier League, all I would say is that it's going through a process which I think has gone on for far too long.' He added that the matter needs to be resolved 'for the good of the game' and expressed regret that internal resolution had not been possible, blaming lawyers who are 'earning a lot of money out of this'.
Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming they have 'a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence' to support their position. Manager Pep Guardiola has been vocal in defending the club, saying in September 2023: 'It's like everyone doesn't expect us to be not just relegated, they want us to disappear off the face of the earth.' He noted that City's success on the pitch had made them targets.
Star striker Erling Haaland, who signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract last season, also expressed confidence in the club. 'I spoke with the bosses, and in the end, I believe them,' he told Time Magazine. 'It's such a tricky situation for me to even sit there and speak about, because I wasn't really involved in it. So I think the club knows what they're doing. They will sort it out.'
Levy's comments place him among a small group of senior football figures to publicly address the case, which has been simmering behind the scenes for 30 months. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for both Manchester City and the Premier League.
