Ex-Everton Chairman Predicts Man City Relegation as FFP Hearing Heats Up
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, face the grim prospect of relegation if found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. This startling claim comes from Keith Wyness, the former chairman of Everton Football Club, who has voiced his belief that the Citizens could face a demotion of one or even two leagues.
The club is currently embroiled in a legal battle following a comprehensive investigation into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules, with charges dating as far back as the 2009-2010 season. These accusations include failing to cooperate with investigations and are based on revelations made by German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018. Manchester City, however, strongly denies the charges and maintains that they possess a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to prove their innocence.
The highly anticipated hearing commenced on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in central London, and it is expected to last for 10 weeks. Despite this, a final verdict from the independent commission may not arrive until 2024. The stakes are exceptionally high for Manchester City, who recently celebrated their fourth consecutive Premier League title in May. If found guilty, the club could face penalties ranging from points deductions to, in the most severe case, expulsion from the Premier League.
Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, suggested that while complete expulsion is unlikely, a substantial punishment, including relegation, is on the cards. “I think complete expulsion is unlikely. I don’t see the punishment being that draconian. For the first time, I’m hearing noises about potential settlements for this case,” he revealed.
He added that once evidence is laid out and cross-examination begins, both sides might seek a compromise. “I don’t think it’ll be quickly, but when each side starts to lay out their evidence – and we see some cross-examination – I think both sides will realise they’re fighting to a score draw. Let’s see how it plays out. I think there will be a penalty, but it won’t be expulsion from everything. There’ll be a relegation, I feel, down a league or two. That’s now a likely outcome.”
The threat of relegation would be a catastrophic blow to the Manchester-based club, whose recent successes have cemented them as one of Europe’s most elite football teams. The consequences of a demotion could also be far-reaching, impacting their status in European competitions and their financial clout in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has offered more insight into the legal process, indicating that a “split trial” system will determine both the verdict and the punishment. Borson explained: “There won’t be any discussion in this independent commission about what the sanction should be for City… The independent commission will hear the evidence in terms of the actual substantive situation and will come to a finding as to whether City have done it or not in respect of all the individual charges.”
He further elaborated on the process, drawing parallels with criminal cases: “I assume they will then publish that decision and, at that point, will recall the parties to make submissions regarding whatever sanction is appropriate and incorporate within those discussions submissions relating to aggravating and mitigating factors… In a sense, it’s similar to a sentencing hearing in criminal matters.”
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on Manchester City and the potential fallout of this historic case. If found guilty, the Premier League giants could be facing a fate that would dramatically alter their trajectory in the football world.
Ex-Everton Chairman Predicts Man City Relegation as FFP Hearing Heats Up