REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
The UK has been warned about the consequences it could face if Manchester City are found guilty of the 115 charges they are being investigated for by the Premier League.
Rival frustration has continued to grow in recent weeks and, with three-and-a-half years having passed since it was announced that City were being scrutinised, a verdict appears to be no closer. This is especially apparent after the division's chief recently admitted he had no idea when the court case would reach its conclusion.
In that time, City have spent £690 million on new players and won six major trophies, including two league titles. Now, in what seems to be an attempt to drum up more support over the legal battle, the UK has been warned of potential complications if Enzo Maresca's side are found guilty.
UAE Threaten UK Over Consequences of Man City's 115 Charges Case
Manchester City corner flag via Reuters
According to a new report from Bloomberg, citing two people close to the matter, "United Arab Emirates officials caution that a negative outcome could damage improved relations with the UK".
City are owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who purchased the club on transfer deadline day in August 2008 and invested a huge wealth into the club.
REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the press conference
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the press conference
The 55-year-old is the vice president of the UAE, with his brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as president. He recently shared a phone call with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who served as mayor of Manchester for nine years.
A guilty verdict, according to the report, threatens to derail Burnham's government hopes to broaden the UK's investment appeal to wealthy allies like the UAE.
Man City's 115 Charges
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
The charges that Man City face, after the court case - considered the biggest in Premier League history - concluded 18 months ago, are as follow:
Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 54 alleged breaches
Failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023 - 35 alleged breaches
Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 14 alleged breaches
Breaches of Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015/16 to and including 2017/18 - Seven alleged breaches
Failure to comply with UEFA's regulations, including UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations - Five alleged breaches
The club denies any wrongdoing. But, if found guilty, Manchester City could face fines, be stripped of titles and even risks being dumped out of the Premier League