EUR IN FOR A BATTLE, CITY
EX-UEFA investigator warns Prem have stronger case than theirs
THE Premier League has a stronger case against Manchester City than European football’s governing body did three years ago, says a former UEFA investigator.
City were dismayed after being charged by the league with 115 cases of financial rule-breaking.
And unlike the aftermath of losing their UEFA case in 2020, this time they will not have the option of being able to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Yves Leterme (right), who led the UEFA investigation, believes the Premier League has a better chance of proving its charges.
He said: “That [lack of option] would make this case stronger. And then there is another element the scope of the complaint is now broader than that at UEFA, both in time and in substance - especially because the Premier League doesn’t have to adhere to the same strict limitation periods as we do.
“We encountered a period of five years, which meant we could not use important elements.
“There was a total lack of transparent flow of financial information. With a battery of lawyers, they [City] did everything they could to counter the work of our auditors. In addition, it turned out that money from sponsorship was actually paid by the owner.
“There were also the ambiguities surrounding contracts. However, thanks to emails and bank statements, we had hard evidence. I’m convinced fraud has been committed by Manchester City.
“The problem, however, was UEFA’S ruling could be contested with an arbitration committee, which does not fall under the real judiciary. Those arbitrators are always drawn from 10 to 12 of the same people and can reduce the sentence because they consider it too severe.”
City’s fate will be determined by an independent commission and, if found guilty, they face a points deduction, stripping of titles or possibly being expelled from the top flight. Boss Pep Guardiola could walk out if it emerges he has been lied to over the club’s financial dealings.
Last May he said: “If I defend the people and the club, it’s because I work with them. When I asked about suspicions, or if our people have done something, I said to them, ‘If you lie to me, I am not here. I will be out’.”
The 52-year-old stood by the City and its officials in 2020 following the initial two-year ban from the Champions League for breaking UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
The ban was overturned on appeal by CAS five months later, vindicating the club. In response to the new Premier
League charges, the club said in a statement: “Manchester City 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 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.”
The allegations relate to the reporting of accurate financial information, including sponsorship revenue, submission of details of manager and player pay information, adhering to the FFP rules and the Premier League’s own profitability and sustainability regulations.