Former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley has called for Manchester City and the Premier League to “build bridges” as the club prepares to appeal a verdict that found it guilty of breaching the league’s financial regulations.
Staveley, who played a key role in Abu Dhabi’s £200million takeover of Manchester City in 2008, suggested that the dispute should be handled with a focus on resolving differences rather than pursuing a punishment that would inevitably be challenged.
City maintains innocence after seven-year legal battle
Manchester City was found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules following a seven-year legal process involving 115 allegations.
The charges relate to the period between 2009 and 2018, during which City established itself as one of English football’s most successful clubs.
The club has consistently denied wrongdoing and has appealed the ruling.
The eventual sanction will be determined by an independent commission, with the full range of possible penalties remaining available.
Former Newcastle director calls for bridges to be built
Staveley, who was most recently a director at Newcastle United, believes the dispute should be approached with an emphasis on cooperation between the league and City.
Speaking at the Leaders Week London sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge, she called on those involved to concentrate on resolving the disagreement.
“You’ve got so much pressure on football. I think we should just focus on the future, getting it right and trying to build bridges with our neighbours,” Staveley said.
Staveley acknowledges pressure facing Premier League
The former Newcastle director also recognised the difficulty faced by the Premier League as it attempts to balance the competing interests of its member clubs.
“I think it will get resolved. The Premier League had a difficult thing, an opportunity (to bring the case),” she said.
Staveley pointed to the conflicting demands placed on league executives, with clubs taking different positions on how the matter should be handled.
“You’ve got to put yourself in their position. You’ve got 20 clubs. Half of them are shouting at you to do one thing, the other 10 clubs are shouting at you to do another,” she said.
“As an executive, you’re always pulled, you’re always being threatened to be sued by one club.”
Former Newcastle director highlights league’s competing interests
Staveley argued that the Premier League’s clubs should ultimately be viewed as partners in the same competition, making disputes between them particularly difficult for league officials to manage.
“Clubs are meant to be co-owners of one league. So, to navigate all of that is really tough,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of protecting the Premier League and maintaining its appeal to supporters.
“With how important the Premier League is, we have such an exciting league,” Staveley said.
“European football is potentially the most watched sport in the world and we should really nurture this asset.
“We should nurture our fans and do everything we can to resolve the issues that exist today.”
