Investigations into Manchester City’s suspected financial irregularities have “taken too long”, according to LaLiga chief Javier Tebas.
Following a four-year inquiry, the Premier League champions have been accused by the league of breaking over 100 rules in relation to their financial affairs.
City has refuted all allegations of wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the charges, which might result in sanctions like a points deduction and possible relegation.
Tebas, who has repeatedly criticized the Premier League’s wealth, claimed the probe had taken too long after the matter was originally brought up in 2017.
“Now it is 2023, and nothing has moved on, but suddenly there is an enquiry,” he told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
“It has taken too long. We know there was an alleged breach of 100 articles. So any decisions will have to be adopted accordingly by the Premier League.”
Hoy @LaLiga y los 42 clubes participaron en una sesión de trabajo con la Comisaria Europea de Innovación, Cultura, Deporte… @gabrielmariya
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) February 27, 2023
👉 El objetivo, compartir proyectos de digitalización dentro del proceso de innovación que lleva a cabo @laliga y sus clubes. pic.twitter.com/3HSHqFqqWs
Tebas drew comparisons to LaLiga title frontrunners Barcelona, who have frequently been in conflict with the governing body over their own financial conduct.
The Blaugrana have amassed eye-watering debts, and were forced to activate additional financial levers in order to fund their transfer market activity last year.
“One of the worst things about financial controls is if you don’t follow or comply with it,” Tebas added.
“Barcelona are so important for LaLiga in Spain, but if I looked away and didn’t pay attention to what is happening with their finances, it would be a gross error.
“Our whole system would collapse. It is impossible for them to do transfer business in the summer because of the numbers. This needs to be resolved, and we need to act.”