Premier League CEO Richard Masters has expressed confidence that the league will continue to thrive, despite the ongoing legal challenges with Manchester City. The reigning champions are currently awaiting the result of an independent investigation into the 130 charges leveled against them, including serious allegations of financial misrepresentation spanning nearly ten years.
While various potential penalties have been suggested for City, the club has already won a major legal battle against the Premier League regarding its Associated Party Transaction rules. Even with the tense situation, Masters believes the long-term reputation of the Premier League will remain intact.
“There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules,” Masters stated in an interview with the Financial Times. “The Premier League will survive the impact of all of this and come through it. The broadcast partners, fans around the world, and our new sponsors all have great confidence in the Premier League.”
As City awaits the outcome, they have been informed of the severe consequences they could face if found guilty. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained that the club might suffer a substantial points deduction or even relegation.
Speaking on Football on Trial on BBC Radio 5 Live, Maguire said: “A points deduction is the most likely consequence if they are found guilty. Given Everton’s earlier 10-point deduction for exceeding financial limits, the penalty for Manchester City could be much higher to serve as a deterrent.”
Maguire suggested that a points deduction in the range of 60 to 100 points could be expected, which would almost certainly result in City’s relegation from the Premier League to the lower divisions of the English Football League.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has also addressed the charges facing his team. When asked about comments made by Javier Tebas, the president of Spanish football, Guardiola simply responded with “next.” Earlier this year, he also mentioned that City expected a decision from the independent investigation soon, adding, “I don’t know. It happened in the past with UEFA, and now, in a few weeks, we will hear the verdict from the Premier League. We wait and then we talk.”
