Elite football club Manchester City is in deep trouble after the Premier League accused them of breaching several financial fair play rules in a span of several seasons. Several reports suggest that Manchester City's punishment might be a huge point reduction, a fine, or even relegation from the league's top tier.
The Premier League, in an official statement on their website, said, "In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4."
The news of Manchester City breaching several rules spread very quickly as many football enthusiasts wanted to know what would happen to the elite club. Will Manchester City be stripped of all the Premier League titles they won in the past? Or will Man City's point deduction be the punishment they would receive?
The club has reacted to the allegations from the Premier League, saying they were surprised by the weight of the allegations laid against them. They also mentioned they are open to all the investigations the Premier League wants to carry out.
"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all," Manchester City said in an official statement.
The alleged breaches that the Premier League leveled against Manchester City reportedly happened from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 campaign. The allegations against Manchester City are about five in number, and each has several consequences. Assuming the allegations are true, Man City's point deduction could be a scenario; heavy fines and relegation are not ruled out.
An Independent Body to Investigate Manchester City
In their statement, the Premier League announced that an independent body would be the one that would investigate and give the verdict of the whole case.
"Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26."
"The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website," Premier League added.
Fans have dug out a press conference where current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he would be angry with the owners of Manchester City if they didn't tell him the truth about their Fairplay condition.
"When they are accused of something I ask them: ‘Tell me about that.’ They explain and I believe them. I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more. I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one and I defend the club because of that," Guardiola had said during a press conference.