Key points:
- Paddy Power refunds bets on eight Premier League seasons where clubs finished behind Manchester City
- Refunds cover wagers placed since the start of the FFP investigation
- More than 100,000 bettors affected
Paddy Power has announced what it describes as its largest-ever “justice refund,” linked to the ongoing investigation into Manchester City’s alleged breaches of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
The bookmaker said it will refund all outright bets placed on teams that finished second to Manchester City in the Premier League during the period covered by the investigation.
The decision impacts eight seasons in total, including campaigns where Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal finished as runners-up.
According to Paddy Power, more than 100,000 customers will be refunded, with the total payout reaching a seven-figure sum. The company did not disclose the precise amount returned.
The FFP case against Manchester City involves 115 alleged financial rule breaches, with a verdict yet to be delivered. The club has denied wrongdoing.
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Coleen Rooney fronted the campaign, addressing the long-running FFP case.
“Fans invest so much into football, emotionally and financially, and sometimes it feels like they don’t get much back,” she said.
“This was a fun way to shine a light on that, whilst actually giving something back to the people who make the game what it is.”
Paddy Power commented: “This FFP investigation has been dragging on for years, with fans being left completely in the dark. So, if those running the game won’t get it sorted, we thought it was about time someone stood up on the side of supporters.”