Manchester United were reportedly one of four clubs informed of Manchester City’s guilty verdict before their rivals. The Telegraph reports that because United were one of four clubs that gave City legal notice of the right to seek compensation, they were informed in advance of the decision that had been made.
Clubs gave notice before September 2024 deadline
As well as the Reds, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all gave notice ahead of the September 2024 deadline that they reserved the right to seek compensation if the Etihad club were found guilty of breaches. The rest of the Premier League shareholders at the time declined to give notice.
However, the Telegraph reports that it is unlikely to preclude those clubs from compensation claims, although it may complicate the procedure. But executives from the four clubs who made it clear that they would be seeking compensation had to sign non-disclosure agreements to view the judgement ahead of the other 15 clubs.
Premier League declined to comment
The newspaper reports adds that the Premier League declined to comment. City were charged with failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons from 2009. They were also charged with failing to provide full details of remuneration in contracts with players between 2010-11 and 2015-16, and with failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation over a period from 2018 to 2023.
The Etihad club have appealed the decision and continue to deny any wrongdoing, and in an open letter to supporters following the judgement, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said that “nothing has changed” and the club’s confidence and intent in proving their innocence is just as strong as when this began.
Chairman’s message to supporters
He said: “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.
“We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium – moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”
The statement followed an appeal by Al Mubarak to supporters, which read: “I have been part of this club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul. This club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again – how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
“Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.
“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
“I ask you to please carefully read the statement, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true.”
