In February 2023, Man City was deemed to have seriously violated the Financial Fairness Law (FFP), after a 5-year investigation, from 2018. Among them, there were very serious “crimes” such as book fraud. , financial statements and failure to cooperate with the investigation. Immediately, The Citizens denied all accusations and asserted that there was “irrefutable evidence” to prove innocence.
In a recent statement, the English Football Association confirmed they had “transferred a number of allegations of violations” that occurred in nine different seasons since Man City’s 2009 – 2010 season to an independent committee.
This shows that the scale and nature of the case are very complex and must be divided into many groups of issues. Mr. Richard Masters also admitted the slow progress in the case of Man City when compared to Everton and Nottingham Forest.
In November 2023, the Premier League Organizing Committee announced a 10-point deduction for the Everton club for violating FFP. Accordingly, this team announced a financial loss of nearly 372 million pounds in the last 3 years, exceeding 250 million pounds compared to the limit allowed by the tournament – sustainability and profitability rules (PSR).
Up to this point, this is the heaviest point deduction in the history of the country’s top tournament. Notably, Everton sent the message that they will monitor the decisions made with similar cases related to FFP, specifically Chelsea and especially Man City. If these two teams are cleared, Everton will sue the Premier League Organizing Committee.
After Everton, it was Nottingham Forest’s turn to be informed that they had violated FFP, specifically the regulations on profits and sustainability, and faced the risk of having points deducted.
However, Nottingham Forest’s initial assessment in the penalty frame is quite light, and this team has many “extenuating circumstances”, including efforts to overcome the consequences by selling off a number of players. ensure balance of revenue and expenditure. But the possibility of escaping punishment of
Nottingham Forest is very low. The only problem is which punishment, minus less points than Everton, or a transfer ban for a certain period of time…
Speaking to Daily Mail, Mr. Richard Masters added that Man City used delay tactics to prolong the investigation by the authorities. But during an appearance before parliamentarians at a hearing of the Culture, Media and Sports Committee in mid-January, the relevant members agreed on the time to bring the case to trial.
As CEO Richard Masters said, he was “questioned” whether he understood the disappointment of fans, especially Everton fans, when Man City’s case dragged on for so long?
Regarding Man City, Mr. Stefan Borson – the former financial advisor of this team and a lawyer – stated that The Citizens could be completely eliminated from England’s top tournament if they are found guilty. “There is no doubt that with these accusations, it will at least lead to Man City being relegated, that is unquestionable.
For example, the Premier League Organizing Committee believes that Man City’s main sponsorship agreements are not for 50-60 million pounds/year like this team offers, but in fact are only 8 million pounds and all The whole thing is just fake. There are many people who lied and Man City deceived many sides,” said Mr. Stefan Borson.
In fact, this is not the first time Man City has faced a dangerous risk from violating FFP. In February 2020, European football was shaken when the European Football Union (UEFA) banned Man City from participating in all European tournaments for the next two seasons and paid a fine of 30 million euros for “serious violations”. Financial Fairness Law.
Green Man was then identified with “crimes” such as understating revenue from sponsors, for the period 2012 – 2016, and not cooperating with financial control agencies. The accusation of Man City’s financial fraud at that time originated from the German newspaper Spiegel. They believe that the company that owns Man City – Abu Dhabi United Group – illegally pumped money into the team.
At the time the European Football Federation announced Man City’s punishment, many people believed that the English team would turn the tables. And that prediction came true. Man City pushed the case to the International Court of Sports (CAS) and denied violations.
After review, CAS canceled the European Cup ban that UEFA imposed on Man City, according to a statement on the afternoon of July 13, 2020. This team is still fined, but reduced to 10 million euros instead of 30 million euros.
CAS’s argument is that Man City only violated Article 56 of the FFP, which is refusing to cooperate with UEFA’s financial control agency during the investigation process. CAS also invoked a provision to avoid retroactivity when the matter had lasted five years.