LaLiga president Javier Tebas has recently spoken out, urging that Manchester City be penalized in what he has termed the “trial of the century.”
The club faces a staggering 115 charges for allegedly violating the Premier League’s financial regulations.
This independent hearing is projected to last about 10 weeks, with a verdict expected in the spring.
Tebas’s Stance and City’s Denial
Tebas’s remarks suggest a presumption of guilt on Manchester City’s part, though the club vehemently denies all allegations.
According to Tebas, the Premier League must not yield to any pressures, asserting that Manchester City should be treated just like any other club.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he emphasized that the league must enforce its rules uniformly, regardless of a club’s size or significance.
Breakdown of the Charges
Of the 115 charges, 54 pertain to City’s alleged failure to provide accurate financial information between 2009-10 and 2017-18.
Another 35 charges relate to their supposed lack of cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation from December 2018 to February 2023.
If found guilty of the most severe charges, Manchester City could face relegation from the Premier League.
Previous UEFA Ban and CAS Decision
Back in 2020, UEFA imposed a two-season ban on City from European competitions for allegedly inflating sponsorship revenues from 2012 to 2016.
This action followed revelations by German outlet Der Spiegel, based on documents obtained through Football Leaks.
However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned this ban later that year and reduced their fine from £25.3 million to £8.4 million.
Manchester City labeled UEFA’s decision as “flawed and prejudicial.”
Tebas’s Criticism of CAS
Tebas has expressed his frustration with CAS’s decision, calling it one of the biggest failures in the court’s history.
He criticized the reversal of UEFA’s sanctions and suggested that the Premier League’s current charges may reflect the severity of City’s financial conduct.
According to Tebas, many Premier League clubs agree that Manchester City should face consequences.
Looking Ahead
The detailed list of breaches includes failure to provide accurate financial reports, non-compliance with UEFA regulations, and failure to cooperate with investigations.
The trial is set to begin on September 16, 2024, with a decision anticipated in the spring or summer of 2025.
Tebas has previously accused Manchester City of economic practices that he believes have harmed Spanish football.
He has warned that similar practices could lead to severe financial consequences for other clubs, echoing concerns from a decade ago when Spanish clubs struggled with debt.
So, as the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how the Premier League handles these allegations and what impact it may have on Manchester City’s future in English football.