Man City’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) case, which includes 115 charges, could extend for another two seasons, according to former Everton CEO Keith Wyness.
The Premier League champions were accused of financial mismanagement in 2023 after a thorough investigation revealed issues dating back to 2009. Although the case is scheduled to be heard by the end of the year, a final verdict may not come anytime soon.
Complicating matters, City have initiated their own legal action against the Premier League regarding Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. With numerous complexities and neither side willing to concede, this ongoing saga seems poised to continue for the foreseeable future.
Ex-Everton chief Wyness – who now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – shares that opinion and has told Football Insider of a complicated process: “There are two cases – the Man City legal challenge, and the 115 charges. With appeals, this could drag on for another two seasons.
This is a very tricky situation to solve, and there has to be some way that this can be got through. People just don’t want it to drag on, they don’t need that. It affects the Premier League brand considerably.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got to think about his points about the top six having more say. Here is one of the top six potentially damaging the whole Premier League more than anything else.
If they want that responsibility, they’ve got to show responsibility and not gallivant around shouting about a European Super League. Right now, these clubs are completely absent from any leadership position.”
There has been much speculation about the potential punishments Manchester City might face.
Some suggest that the club could be relegated from the Premier League, while others talk of significant points deductions or hefty fines.