The spotlight is on Manchester City as they await the outcome of a major legal case involving accusations of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations.
After facing 115 charges in early 2023, the club’s hearing wrapped up just last month.
Now, a verdict is on the horizon, and football finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared what might be at stake if City is found guilty.
Serious Allegations and Possible Consequences
During an appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate with Sky Bet, Kieran Maguire gave a detailed breakdown of the charges Manchester City could face.
He emphasized that while the club has been accused of 115 charges, it’s really three key issues that stand out.
One of the major allegations is that money might have been funneled from the club’s owners disguised as sponsorship payments.
Maguire explained that if proven true, this would be considered fraud—something that would carry severe consequences.
Should City be found guilty of these charges, the financial expert believes the penalties would be harsh.
“It’s going to be a massive points deduction,” he warned.
While relegation isn’t an option due to the independent nature of the Premier League and the EFL, the scale of the alleged breaches could still lead to a dramatic loss of points.
Maguire predicts the deduction could range from 60 to 100 points, which would likely result in relegation.
The Dark Side of Football Finances
Maguire also touched on the practices within football clubs that often fall under the radar.
He noted that off-the-books payments to players and their families have been a part of the game for years, with some players working for the owner’s companies in addition to their club wages.
Such tactics, while not new, raise serious questions about transparency and fairness in the sport.
However, the most challenging charge for City to defend may be their alleged lack of cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation.
According to Maguire, this could be difficult for the club to counter.
The Appeal Dilemma
If Manchester City is found guilty, many expect them to challenge the ruling.
However, Maguire believes there may not be enough grounds for a successful appeal.
He pointed out that an appeal is only possible if there’s evidence of unprofessional conduct by the committee involved in the investigation.
Should they face a guilty verdict, Maguire believes the entire board of directors would likely be forced to resign, as they would be seen as responsible for the misrepresentation and deception.
Other Clubs Under Scrutiny
While Manchester City’s fate hangs in the balance, Maguire hinted that they may not be the only club in the Premier League under investigation.
The Premier League had set a deadline of December 31 for clubs to submit their financial accounts, and they’re now reviewing those documents.
According to Maguire, one club is at high risk of facing charges for breaching financial regulations, though he refused to name names.
When pressed by a fan on the club’s shirt color, Maguire humorously revealed, “It’s not red!”
This likely rules out clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, while Manchester United, Brentford, Bournemouth, and Southampton seem to be off the hook—for now.
What Happens Next?
With Manchester City awaiting their verdict, the drama is far from over.
If found guilty, the repercussions for the club could be enormous, both on and off the pitch.
As for other clubs, we may soon see more names in the headlines as the Premier League’s financial investigations continue to unfold.
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