City and Financial Doping | Charged by PL with numerous FFP breaches | Hearing begins 16th September 2024

Pep is already talking about staying on. Bet he knows something that we don't know.

No way they get punished heavily most probably will be a tap on the hand

I think they might be given a 'severe' punishment at best, like a significant points deduction and a fine, but one that doesn't go beyond this season. To give the illusion of consequence without actually doing much. City will suck it up for a season then be back at it after that. To think there's going to be anything retroactive, much less stripping of titles, is just dreamland stuff and not even worth discussing. The government and the FA won't risk upsetting an investor and trading partner of that magnitude over sport.
 
The other 19 teams will somehow get a point deduction and fine for bullying city and all the fine money goes to city to help them recover from this horrible mess.
 
Probably they won't be
But if there is any "punishment" this is what the FA will go for. Least controversial, no taking titles/trophies away, keeps Abu Dhabi paymasters onside. "Punish" the richest club in the world by fining them - job done.

I wouldn't say least controversial. Everyone knows they've cheated. Getting away with it is pretty controversial.

I think they'll get done and all their hollow success will be tainted. Which is not to say they've not assembled a top class football team coached by an incredible manager. But, hollow still.
 
They'll get away with it. It will hit the EPL brand hard if the last decade has been pointless.
 
I wouldn't say least controversial. Everyone knows they've cheated. Getting away with it is pretty controversial.

I think they'll get done and all their hollow success will be tainted. Which is not to say they've not assembled a top class football team coached by an incredible manager. But, hollow still.
I honestly think if they are found guilty and it's a big IF, it's a fine and a fine only. The FA aren't up for a lawsuit, they want to minimise controversy, they don't want to complicate things. Titles/trophies stay where they are and a fine is given to City. Essentially no punishment.
 
I honestly think if they are found guilty and it's a big IF, it's a fine and a fine only. The FA aren't up for a lawsuit, they want to minimise controversy, they don't want to complicate things. Titles/trophies stay where they are and a fine is given to City. Essentially no punishment.
Why do people keep saying The FA?

City aren't being tried by The FA. They're being tried by the PL whose rules are made up by the clubs who are the 20 shareholders of the PL. It is also the reason why City have ran scared of this one.

Firstly, City have done their best to limit the discussion of the case in the press - which is the real reason why it has not had as much coverage as people would expect - and they've got so desperate they've even asked for 'legal hearings with the PL'. Anyone remember this:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...against-premier-league-over-sponsorship-rules

Well since that finished the PL has republished it's rules a few days ago with zero changes, so the liklihood is that City's legal argument did not win.

That argument was also never likely to win if people actually understood how the PL operates.

Unlike The FA - a non-for- profit organisation - the PL is a purely capitalist organisation that is run in a 'membership club format' (think golf club.) Unlike The FA, which has a very ingrained old boys club set up, with close ties to the Government/monarchy. The PL is purely about the self interest of the member clubs. So, unlike the FA who can be influenced/pressured politically the PL only really gets influenced by status and money. Or put another way, do you think the likes of the Glazers, Henry, PIF, Clearlake and Korenke are going to care more about foreign investment into the UK or increasing the value of their asset/status by having a more successful PL club (which will happen if they kill off City)? I know what I believe.

This is also before we even get to the fact the PL actually went ahead and charged City when they could've easily have brushed it under the carpet after the UEFA case imploded and how moronic they're going to look if City get off lightly.

For me, the only way City get out of a serious punishment is if they cam find a real and legitimate legal technicality that isn't some colloquial football one. Could that happen, for sure. However, it isn't going to be some timed barred sh*t this time.
 
Why do people keep saying The FA?

City aren't being tried by The FA. They're being tried by the PL whose rules are made up by the clubs who are the 20 shareholders of the PL. It is also the reason why City have ran scared of this one.

Firstly, City have done their best to limit the discussion of the case in the press - which is the real reason why it has not had as much coverage as people would expect - and they've got so desperate they've even asked for 'legal hearings with the PL'. Anyone remember this:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...against-premier-league-over-sponsorship-rules

Well since that finished the PL has republished it's rules a few days ago with zero changes, so the liklihood is that City's legal argument did not win.

That argument was also never likely to win if people actually understood how the PL operates.

Unlike The FA - a non-for- profit organisation - the PL is a purely capitalist organisation that is run in a 'membership club format' (think golf club.) Unlike The FA, which has a very ingrained old boys club set up, with close ties to the Government/monarchy. The PL is purely about the self interest of the member clubs. So, unlike the FA who can be influenced/pressured politically the PL only really gets influenced by status and money. Or put another way, do you think the likes of the Glazers, Henry, PIF, Clearlake and Korenke are going to care more about foreign investment into the UK or increasing the value of their asset/status by having a more successful PL club (which will happen if they kill off City)? I know what I believe.

This is also before we even get to the fact the PL actually went ahead and charged City when they could've easily have brushed it under the carpet after the UEFA case imploded and how moronic they're going to look if City get off lightly.

For me, the only way City get out of a serious punishment is if they cam find a real and legitimate legal technicality that isn't some colloquial football one. Could that happen, for sure. However, it isn't going to be some timed barred sh*t this time.
This.

Not to mention the other 19 clubs - especially the likes of Everton - aren't just going to sit back and accept it if they get off with a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket.

Everton already said they would be watching the case very closely. If they somehow manage to weasel their way out of this, there will be uproar.
 
Titles won't get re-awarded but we'll see them stripped similar to how the Tour de France declared no winners for the Armstrong years.

Expecting City to get expelled from the EPL. Whether it's permanent, or time-limited to 5-10 seasons, remains to be seen.

If the latter, do the EFL accept them as a member knowing they've been found guilty of sporting corruption and financial doping, and have given the leagues authority the run around for 6+ years while investigating it? I suspect not. City are then looking at entry back into the football pyramid outside of the EPL/EFL.

I appreciate lots on here are talking down the potential punishment as a defence mechanism to avoid disappointment as nothing has been done about City's cheating to date, but as others have said, the EPL didn't have to bring this case. They've spotlighted corruption within their own organisation and a complete failure of their own compliance controls. That level of introspection isn't consistent with letting City off with a fine.
 
These people will act like Barcelona did with the Negreira issue, denying everything even though their guilt is obvious, and they will say that the media and political powers are persecuting them.

I hope that English fans, if the ManC people are declared innocent, take to the streets like they did against the Super League.
 
These people will act like Barcelona did with the Negreira issue, denying everything even though their guilt is obvious, and they will say that the media and political powers are persecuting them.

I hope that English fans, if the ManC people are declared innocent, take to the streets like they did against the Super League.

They won't. City don't seem to bother the casual fan
 
Why do people keep saying The FA?

City aren't being tried by The FA. They're being tried by the PL whose rules are made up by the clubs who are the 20 shareholders of the PL. It is also the reason why City have ran scared of this one.

Firstly, City have done their best to limit the discussion of the case in the press - which is the real reason why it has not had as much coverage as people would expect - and they've got so desperate they've even asked for 'legal hearings with the PL'. Anyone remember this:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...against-premier-league-over-sponsorship-rules

Well since that finished the PL has republished it's rules a few days ago with zero changes, so the liklihood is that City's legal argument did not win.

That argument was also never likely to win if people actually understood how the PL operates.

Unlike The FA - a non-for- profit organisation - the PL is a purely capitalist organisation that is run in a 'membership club format' (think golf club.) Unlike The FA, which has a very ingrained old boys club set up, with close ties to the Government/monarchy. The PL is purely about the self interest of the member clubs. So, unlike the FA who can be influenced/pressured politically the PL only really gets influenced by status and money. Or put another way, do you think the likes of the Glazers, Henry, PIF, Clearlake and Korenke are going to care more about foreign investment into the UK or increasing the value of their asset/status by having a more successful PL club (which will happen if they kill off City)? I know what I believe.

This is also before we even get to the fact the PL actually went ahead and charged City when they could've easily have brushed it under the carpet after the UEFA case imploded and how moronic they're going to look if City get off lightly.

For me, the only way City get out of a serious punishment is if they cam find a real and legitimate legal technicality that isn't some colloquial football one. Could that happen, for sure. However, it isn't going to be some timed barred sh*t this time.
Thanks for pointing out it's the PL not the FA who have charged City.
You make some good points and whilst I agree generally that the PL are more likely to respond appropriately if City are found guilty, I still don't believe the punishment will end up being that bad for them.
 
These people will act like Barcelona did with the Negreira issue, denying everything even though their guilt is obvious, and they will say that the media and political powers are persecuting them.

I hope that English fans, if the ManC people are declared innocent, take to the streets like they did against the Super League.

Not likely, the English public are either too busy to pay attention/ care about it or have a Brexit conspiratorial mindset and will fall for the bullshit
 
I see both city threads are very active recently

I’ll fall asleep again before work if I read about city… to summarise has there been an update or is it just people arguing?
 
They won't. City don't seem to bother the casual fan
More and more people are getting fed up with them now, and that’ll grow as they continue to rack up trophies.

Too little too late, obviously.
 
More and more people are getting fed up with them now, and that’ll grow as they continue to rack up trophies.

Too little too late, obviously.
Agreed - City have slowly elimintated their support from all major fanbases as each have had their cyclical success peaks ruined by City's cheating.

City were celebrated by Liverpool and Arsenal fans when denying United the EPL in 2012. However, they've since denied Arsenal and Liverpool more titles than United.
 
Agreed - City have slowly elimintated their support from all major fanbases as each have had their cyclical success peaks ruined by City's cheating.

City were celebrated by Liverpool and Arsenal fans when denying United the EPL in 2012. However, they've since denied Arsenal and Liverpool more titles than United.
I'm surprised there isn't more hatred for City from Liverpool fans.

Considering that they've missed out on at least a couple of titles because of them, you'd think they'd be frothing at the mouth in rage, demanding that they be banned from competitive football, and the club liquidated.

Instead, Liverpool fans seem more interested in what we are doing.
 
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I'm surprised there isn't more hatred for City from Liverpool fans.

Considering that they've missed out on at least a couple of titles because of them, you'd think they'd be frothing at the mouth in rage, demanding that they be banned from competitive football, and the club liquidated.

Instead, Liverpool fans seem more interested in what we are doing.

Not sure what you're on about because I think Liverpool fans are pretty fecking annoyed about City.

Anyway, you got a like out of it, so fair play.
 
Any update on the lawsuit City filed against the PL? There was a big hoo-ha about it (rightfully so) but its gone ever so quiet now.
 
Should have also included a line that says the following:

9. Despite all of this, their entitled fans still think that they are the victims, and that they are somehow hard done by. Which is why they boo the UEFA Champions League anthem, and also why they claim to be victims of the non-existent "red cartel".
 
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The hearing is getting closer and closer
 
I already wrote few times, only way to to PL act is that clubs and fans start to boycot City games. Other than that I don't expect that much.
 
Imo i'm a bit surprised there isn't specific rules that would allow the PL to hand down rather harsh punishments just for refusing to provide the documentation within a certain amount of time.

This. There should be a rule that failing to provide documentation receives an automatic punishment. It's like not complying with an audit, you just don't do it and if you deliberately fail in some regard then there are consequences. It's actually amazing the PL have never basically come out and said this, unless something specific in the PL membership terms and conditions/rules specifically states you don't have to comply with requests for information, or doesn't adequately state you should.
 
I can't see How City would get a fine while Everton and Forest were deducted points for far less than City's blatant money laundering. Athough there does seem to be one rule for the bitters and another for everyone else. I just read that City were about to sign Christian McFarlane from NYCFC (A team owned by City) while United were refused permission to sign Jean Clair Todibo as SJR has a stake in Nice. One rule for bitters and another for everyone else. Money talks!
 
I can't see How City would get a fine while Everton and Forest were deducted points for far less than City's blatant money laundering. Athough there does seem to be one rule for the bitters and another for everyone else. I just read that City were about to sign Christian McFarlane from NYCFC (A team owned by City) while United were refused permission to sign Jean Clair Todibo as SJR has a stake in Nice. One rule for bitters and another for everyone else. Money talks!
No, we were forbade due to the fact we play in the same competition - City have been clever that they register players at the clubs outside of their competitions if they have an interest so they can circumvent that rule
 
No, we were forbade due to the fact we play in the same competition - City have been clever that they register players at the clubs outside of their competitions if they have an interest so they can circumvent that rule
Yeah. If Lausanne had signed Todibo and loaned him to Nice, we would have been fine.
 
I can see the longer this rumbles on, the more likely it will be the case that it quietly goes away.

It's hard to believe they are still allowed to compete while facing so many charges, they have the means to keep this tied up in legal confusion for as long as they like.

It's odd that the PL haven't said the hearing is set for a certain time, the only reason for that, I imagine is they are hoping to come to a compromise.

If the average person was charged with an offence they would be a given a date when it would be heard in court.
 
I have noticed that they are all flipping out over on Bluemoon about the plans for our new stadium. Saying how outraged they are that the Government are funding it.

THE GOVERNMENT AREN'T FUNDING A NEW STADIUM

We need the government onside to speed up the planning process, and to upgrade the local transport links, namely a train station for Gorse hill. This would serve the whole community. As the train doesn't currently stop there. The road network may also need to change to accommodate 100,000 fans.

MUFC have also opened up the opportunity of building new homes on the existing site, which would bring a 24/7 economy to an area that is mostly quiet on non match days. It is going to be a multi-development site, in partnership with investors, sponsors, retailers, property developers and the local council. It will provide homes and jobs for thousands.
 
They'll get away with it. It will hit the EPL brand hard if the last decade has been pointless.
But if they get away with it, that is the definition of the PL past, present and future becoming pointless. Its literally saying that clubs can cheat the rules without consequence, so why even have a competition at all?
 
I have noticed that they are all flipping out over on Bluemoon about the plans for our new stadium. Saying how outraged they are that the Government are funding it.

THE GOVERNMENT AREN'T FUNDING A NEW STADIUM

We need the government onside to speed up the planning process, and to upgrade the local transport links, namely a train station for Gorse hill. This would serve the whole community. As the train doesn't currently stop there. The road network may also need to change to accommodate 100,000 fans.

MUFC have also opened up the opportunity of building new homes on the existing site, which would bring a 24/7 economy to an area that is mostly quiet on non match days. It is going to be a multi-development site, in partnership with investors, sponsors, retailers, property developers and the local council. It will provide homes and jobs for thousands.

They have a point. It's not fair. The only proper thing to do is wait for a stadium to be built and for it to be gifted to us.
 
I think City will get a severe punishment in concordance with whatever ramifications the league impose legally. The main issue isn't the conduct itself from City but more the implication of what a light punishment means for the long-term integrity of the competition.

There are multiple high value owners in the league including the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Villa, Fulham etc and if there's little to no serious ramifications for City why should other clubs adhere to the rules if the impetus to breaking them is dealt with little rebuttal?
 
I can see the longer this rumbles on, the more likely it will be the case that it quietly goes away.

It's hard to believe they are still allowed to compete while facing so many charges, they have the means to keep this tied up in legal confusion for as long as they like.

It's odd that the PL haven't said the hearing is set for a certain time, the only reason for that, I imagine is they are hoping to come to a compromise.

If the average person was charged with an offence they would be a given a date when it would be heard in court.
From the BBC:

There have been reports a hearing date is in place for the autumn of 2024, with the same reports suggesting a decision by the summer of 2025 – still more than a year away. City have neither confirmed nor denied this. However, the case will be detailed and the arguments multi-faceted.

We've got a long while to rumble on yet.