Premier League CEO Richard Masters has suggested a decision could be made soon on Manchester City over their alleged financial rule breaches .
City has been under investigation after being charged with 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League ’s rules. Any sort of punishment that is handed down to the club could have implications for its rivals, including Liverpool.
According to The Times , the independent commission’s session to deliberate on City’s case will begin in mid-September rather than November , as had been expected. That is subject to change though if there are any added legal hurdles.
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Speaking to the BBC’s Dan Roan though, Masters has indicated that a decision could be made on City soon. “I think it is time now for it to resolve itself,” Masters said. “It's been going on for a number of years and I think it's self-evident that the case needs to be heard and answered.”
City’s hearing is reserved for a 10-week stint, with a judgement expected from it, while City also anticipates another verdict concerning associated party transactions in just two weeks. City has always maintained its innocence, but should the club be found guilty of some of the weightier allegations, a big punishment could be in the offing.
A points deduction or even relegation from the Premier League have been touted as possible outcomes. Liverpool will be among the clubs waiting with interest, both with the forthcoming season and previous campaigns in mind.
City has of course dominated English football in recent years, winning six of the last seven league titles. The Reds are the only side to have broken up their run in 2020, while they have also finished second by just a single point on two occasions.
City’s charges span nine seasons, and claim that the club obscured the true nature of its financial dealings, notably regarding payments to former manager Roberto Mancini and certain players. Accusations also include obstructing the probe itself.
Meanwhile, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules continue to be a hot topic, with a number of clubs finding themselves in risky situations this summer after Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions last season.
Asked whether more PSR charges could be on the way for clubs in the new season, Masters said: “I can’t speculate on that either. 23-24 PSR does not get assessed until the counts are in and that comes around Christmas time.”
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