Manchester City’s 115 charges could destroy the playhouse – GAME OF THE PEOPLE

As far as most football fans are concerned, Manchester City are guilty and deserve to be punished for their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules. Why it took so long to discover these breaches in the first place is a mystery, given the extensive time period under review. Manchester City claim they are innocent and, you have to assume, they have the financial muscle to get the result they want. The fact that these “violations” went on for so long also means that City believed they were doing nothing illegal; are an international business organization supposedly well-run, intelligent and staffed by experts and best-in-class professionals. City may have done the wrong thing 115 times, but did they know they did it?

Disgruntled and embittered Everton fans are questioning why City were not penalised, given a points deduction for breaking the rules. The difference between Everton’s punishment and City’s possible problems is clear. Everton have exceeded the limits of the amount of money they can lose in a given period. They admitted, they cooperated, but there is no denying that they are guilty. The city has some major issues to address regarding their practices, but they are unproven and complex. The end result can be a financial penalty, a points deduction or a ban from something or other. If big football had its way, City would be lynched, left out to dry and suffer a humiliating relegation. There’s an “eat the rich” element about it all, but at this point, they’re innocent until proven guilty. And, in all likelihood, the legal machinery will ensure that the outcome is nowhere near as brutal as the measures the mob demands.

City’s position as a moneyed club, with the backing of an oil-rich Arab state, makes it easier for other clubs and fans to trouble them. It must be remembered that throughout the history of football, the most successful teams are often disliked, mostly out of envy, disapproval of their ultra-professionalism, financial advantages or simply out of sheer mind. Take the financial aspect out of the equation and everything about City is actually quite positive, but you can’t say that to opposition fans and expect recognition that they are worthy champions. City are the beneficiaries of the new world order in football and most clubs, for all their whining about unfair playing conditions (which has always been the case) would welcome the kind of ownership they enjoy. They may not admit it, but the way the industrialized game has evolved has created a demand and a market for ultra-rich owners. It’s not necessarily right, but it’s a fact.

The legal battle between the Premier and City may be a very important moment in the history of football governance and club power. City are richer than the Premier League and have more influence. This is where the City property will reveal its strength. The financial gap between the top Premiership clubs is not in itself a case of chasms full of cash, in terms of spending power we are talking around £100m. Let’s translate that into assets – maybe a Jack Grealish-sized transfer every season. Has Grealish made City stronger? Not quite, not exactly. City have been pushed over the last two seasons so the gap between them and the next team (Arsenal) is not as big as the record might suggest. But in cases where City have to go to court, Abu Dhabi’s economic clout against the Premier League can only have one winner and it’s not the Premier. They will have the lawyers, accountants, analysts and witnesses they need to win the case. Which could have ramifications for the future of the Premier League. Furthermore, a good finish for City may inspire other clubs to test the league on a wide range of issues.

Of course, if City win the day, that won’t silence critics who will allege corruption and talk of sinister deals being made in dark corners. But what will defeat for the prime minister do to his reputation, will his teeth be dulled instantly? The European Super Leagues in mainland Europe could start to rub their hands as any hint of fragmentation will do them no harm and if City are beaten that could also bode well for their plans if Abu Dhabi decides to talk about escaping.

It feels the city’s plight may be the catalyst for others to review their financial reporting from the past decade and make sure everything is indeed in order. Because one consequence of this unfortunate chapter may be a crackdown by the Prime Minister on all matters regulatory and financial. Whatever the outcome, there needs to be greater clarity for clubs about what they can and cannot do, whether it’s related party transaction (APT), profit and sustainability (PSR) or fair play rules financial. It is also puzzling why it takes so long for football clubs to produce their annual accounts, when huge and complicated global corporations can announce their financial reports within weeks of the end of a quarter.

The next few months will be crucial for many aspects of football: Manchester City’s position; the reputation and future of the Premier League; the regulatory landscape in football; the competitiveness of Premier League clubs; and the resurgence of Super League talk. It will be interesting, but there will be cheers and tears.

Published by Neil Fredrik Jensen

Game of the People was founded in 2012 and is ranked among the top 100 soccer websites by various sources. The site consistently wins awards for its work across a wide range of topics. View all posts by Neil Fredrik Jensen