A final verdict on Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester City's alleged breaches of financial rules could soon arrive
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The sun sets on the Etihad Stadium
Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester City should soon hear the outcome of their charges for alleged financial breaches
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
A 20th English top-flight would be a major outcome for Liverpool as they continue to write history, but before that is confirmed the Reds will also be keeping an eye on another result out of their influence yet still highly significant. That is the conclusion to matters surrounding Manchester City's hearing against the Premier League over 115+ counts of alleged financial rule breaking.
These accusations include Liverpool's big rivals failing to provide accurate financial information dating between 2009 and 2018, then subsequently also failing to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation. Since February 2023, when Man City were slapped with their charges, they have strongly denied all wrongdoing and have 'a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence' that they believe will see them deemed innocent.
Such a verdict may not be far away as the trial concluded in London last December, with the three-man independent panel soon set to deliver their findings.
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Now, the reason why not only Liverpool but plenty of other rivals will be waiting on the decision is because of the possible punishments a guilty decision could bring. So far speculation has ranged between points deductions in scale large enough to all-but cause relegation, severe financial restrictions or even stripped titles.
Alternatively, were the club cleared of what they have been accused of, the fallout could present gigantic repercussions for the Premier League's financial laws considering all that have fallen foul before.
With that, below is a full list of the charges City are alleged to have breached. The club vehemently deny all charges.
1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80;(b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87;(c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12;(d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12;(e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49;(f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and(i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.
2. In respect of:(a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:(1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and(b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:(1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20;(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20;(3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and(4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.
3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and(b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.
4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and(b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.
No matter who comes out victorious in this process - perhaps in the coming weeks if that is when a verdict arrives - an appeal process would be expected to be initiated from the losing side and so it may yet be some time before everything is truly settled.