Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has responded to mounting criticism over the handling of Manchester City's 115 alleged financial breaches, defending the league's disciplinary process as robust and impartial.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Masters acknowledged public frustration at the slow pace of proceedings but stressed that such complex cases require thorough investigation. "These are not straightforward matters," he stated. "We're dealing with serious allegations that demand proper scrutiny."
Why the Delay?
The case, which involves alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations between 2009 and 2018, has been ongoing since charges were first brought in February 2023. Masters explained:
- The volume of documentation requires extensive review
- Multiple legal teams are involved in the process
- Procedural fairness must be maintained for all parties
Growing Impatience Among Rivals
Several Premier League clubs have privately expressed frustration at the perceived lack of progress, particularly as Everton and Nottingham Forest faced quicker sanctions for similar charges. Masters dismissed suggestions of preferential treatment:
"Each case is judged on its own merits," he insisted. "The Premier League remains committed to enforcing its rules consistently and fairly."
With Manchester City continuing to dominate English football - winning four of the last five league titles - the outcome of this case could have seismic implications for the sport's financial regulations.
