Man City - no, not tickets, but dodgy stuff…as if!!!

[Davefevs]

Blige.

give us a bye to the QFs!

[Northern Red]

[Selred]

Kick them out the FA cup. And ban them from signing players, particularly ones from Channel Islands, for at least 20 years.

[Super]

This could be massive if it holds up.

[Curr Avon]

10 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Blige.

give us a bye to the QFs!

Every little helps Dave!

Seriously though, is a big points deduction in the offing?

 

[View from the Dolman]

The screenshot in the tweet is only some of the allegations... it's quite a charge sheet.

Quote

In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.

Details of the Premier League Rules that the Club is alleged to have breached are as follows:

1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:
(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80;
(b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87;
(c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12;
(d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12;
(e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49;
(f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;
(g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;
(h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and
(i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.

2. In respect of:
(a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:
  (1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and
  (2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and
(b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:
  (1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20;
  (2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20;
  (3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and
  (4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.

3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:
(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and
(b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.

4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:
(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and
(b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.

5. In respect of the period from December 2018 to date, the Premier League Rules applicable in the relevant Seasons requiring a member club to cooperate with, and assist, the Premier League in its investigations, including by providing documents and information to the Premier League in the utmost good faith, namely:
(a) for Season 2018/19, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(b) for Season 2019/20, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(c) for Season 2020/21, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;
(d) for Season 2021/22, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16; and
(e) for Season 2022/23, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16. 

Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.

The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.

This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3045970

 

[ExiledAjax]

Jesus, the best part of a decade of misreporting.

Points deduction is the only thing that hurts them really. They can pay any fine that can be levied, and a transfer embargo does bugger all to hurt a club with their squad and their academy. The only thing that hurts them is a points deduction sufficient to exclude them from European football.

Ziegler suggests they could be expelled form the league. I think that's very unlikely tbh but probably is possible under the PL Rules.

Then other interesting point is that this might mean that UEFA can bring fresh charges against them for the 2017/18 season. Their previous case with UEFA concerned seasons 2012 through to 2016. They 'won' that eventually when they had a two-year ban from European club competitions overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), after UEFA had ruled that they committed "serious breaches" of Financial Fair Play (FFP). I doubt they can be retried on anything in those seasons, but for those outside of that timeframe there's probably a chance of UEFA going at them again.

Edited February 6, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[Super]

Just now, Curr Avon said:

Every little helps Dave!

Seriously though, is a big points deduction in the offing?

 

Strip them of titles?

[Dredd]

Be pretty convenient if they get a points deduction in the season where they aren't running away with the league

[ohhhshauntaylor]

I would suspect, Man City appeal to the CAS, and the outcome is a heavy fine/suspended sentence and future monitoring.

It's morally wrong, but that's what usually happens!

Edited February 6, 2023 by ohhhshauntaylor
Spelling

[cider-manc]

3 minutes ago, Selred said:

Kick them out the FA cup. And ban them from signing players, particularly ones from Channel Islands, for at least 20 years.

Personally, I'd suggest waiting until the player from the channel island runs rings round KDB.

Pep - who's fuming at being turned over at ashton gate - pays 100 million for said player (100m as he will be an fa cup winner by May obvs).

[Jackson Lamb]

Would love to see what Chelsea have been up to then

[chinapig]

Man City can afford the best lawyers. They could drag this out for years.

Their fans like to claim they were cleared of the UEFA charges but iirc CAS found one offence to be time barred and another not proven. Not quite the same as not guilty then.

[TonyTonyTony]

Got to hit them hard, rather than fining them. Teach them a lesson. Chelsea gotta be bricking it as well surely? 

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

4 minutes ago, ohhhshauntaylor said:

I would suspect, Man City appeal to the CAS, and the outcome is a heavy fine/suspended sentence and future monitoring.

It's morally wrong, but that's what usually happens!

I don't know if PL regs allow for appeal to the CAS.

I know EFL ones don't. This is unprecedented however.

[The Bard]

In this country we've always tried to occupy the moral high ground. This sort of thing is the preserve of Italy / Spain etc. Everyone knows they're corrupt.

 

Turns out that its hypocritical horseshit. The most dominant sides in football and Rugby cheated without any consequence for years. 

Saracens got away with it. Obviously Man City will too. 

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Curr Avon said:

Every little helps Dave!

Seriously though, is a big points deduction in the offing?

 

No, but Rotherham are t very happy with Bailey Wright getting a 3-game ban!

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, The Bard said:

In this country we've always tried to occupy the moral high ground. This sort of thing is the preserve of Italy / Spain etc. Everyone knows they're corrupt.

 

Turns out that its hypocritical horseshit. The most dominant sides in football and Rugby cheated without any consequence for years. 

Saracens got away with it. Obviously Man City will too. 

Saracens did not get away with it in the end.

[The Original OTIB]

9 minutes ago, Super said:

Strip them of titles?

Unlikely, but if you take things to their logical conclusion, then you would. If it were a "smaller" club (i.e., without trophies in recent times), you know what would happen. There would be many more sanctions, obviously not including titles, but they would get thrown down the league pyramid at least.

Edited February 6, 2023 by The Original OTIB
additional

[chinapig]

,

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I don't know if PL regs allow for appeal to the CAS.

I know EFL ones don't. This is unprecedented however.

No doubt you're right, I was illustrating the victim attitude of their fans. Hence them booing the Champions League anthem.

[Port Said Red]

At the least there should be penalties........

 

To us, two in front of the Atyeo and two in front of the South Stand.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Okay this also raised a quite interesting question.

Statute of limitations?? To what extent therefore can the Foorball League under the same aligned P&S regs therefore revisit the Aston Villa to 2019, perhaps the Wolves to 2018 although I'm unsure that was a 2018, Fulham to last year? Stoke recorded some huge losses albeit less problem there owing to Covid, list goes on.

Nottingham Forest to last year- PL with Everton?

Ironically I don't think Bournemouth breached to 2022 but will be of interest to see their 2022 numbers as well.

Edited February 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, ohhhshauntaylor said:

I would suspect, Man City appeal to the CAS, and the outcome is a heavy fine/suspended sentence and future monitoring.

It's morally wrong, but that's what usually happens!

See below - it may not be appealable to CAS .

1 minute ago, chinapig said:

Man City can afford the best lawyers. They could drag this out for years.

Their fans like to claim they were cleared of the UEFA charges but iirc CAS found one offence to be time barred and another not proven. Not quite the same as not guilty then.

They have an in-house team of about 8 lawyers anyway. Plus they will no doubt hire the same barristers and Freshfields who helped them last time. However, the PL obviously have a little bit of cash to send the lawyers' way as well.

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I don't know if PL regs allow for appeal to the CAS.

I know EFL ones don't. This is unprecedented however.

First appeal would be to an "Appeal Board". Rule W.79 says that "Subject to the provisions of Section X of these Rules (Arbitration), the decision of an Appeal Board shall be final.". I've not got time to dig through Section X and through the Arbitration Act 1996 to which it refers, but a skim read shows that they are trying pretty hard to make sure decisions are final and a re not appealable to CAS.

[cider-manc]

11 minutes ago, Super said:

Strip them of titles?

Nope. That would mean Liverpool would have at least 3 more and no one would ever hear the end of it!

[Davefevs]

Just now, cider-manc said:

Nope. That would mean Liverpool would have at least 3 more and no one would ever hear the end of it!

Bring it on

[2015]

9 minutes ago, The Bard said:

In this country we've always tried to occupy the moral high ground. This sort of thing is the preserve of Italy / Spain etc. Everyone knows they're corrupt.

 

Turns out that its hypocritical horseshit. The most dominant sides in football and Rugby cheated without any consequence for years. 

Saracens got away with it. Obviously Man City will too. 

Juventus recently deducted 15 points. At least Italy deal fair punishments out these days. The Big 6 in England can do what they like, the FA is scared of losing them to the Super League now.

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 minutes ago, 2015 said:

Juventus recently deducted 15 points. At least Italy deal fair punishments out these days. The Big 6 in England can do what they like, the FA is scared of losing them to the Super League now.

I'd say Italy have set a good example, template for the League here. Premier League now need to push for strong sanctions indeed.

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, 2015 said:

Juventus recently deducted 15 points. At least Italy deal fair punishments out these days. The Big 6 in England can do what they like, the FA is scared of losing them to the Super League now.

Bu the interesting thing here is that it's the Premier League accusing them, not the FA. The Premier League is, in effect, the other 19 clubs going against one of their own. 

Oh and just so we're all clear. *cough* independent regulation asap please *cough*.

[Mr Popodopolous]

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3045970

The statement, some of the finer detail. Not read it myself yet.

Edited February 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[The Bard]

9 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Saracens did not get away with it in the end.

They absolutely did.

• Kept all their titles.  
• Chose their own punishment to suit them, ie relegation to a division that only played half a season during lockdown. 
• RFU agreed that their players would be picked for England even though they weren't playing club rugby.  Very handy to give them a bit of rest but keep them playing.

They're back from their 'punishment' with their ridiculously strong squad still apparently within a £5million salary cap.  If you believe that then you probably think Joey Barton is a saint.

A proper punishment would have been banishment for 5 years so that their big earners all left as well stripping them of all titles.  Start again in 4th tier or somewhere.

[ExiledAjax]

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3045970

The statement, perhaps the finer detail.

Reference at para 3 to breaching UEFA regs in seasons outside of that previous UEFA case, so as I said, it will be interesting to see whether UEFA come at them again.

Plus allegations extending into the most recent seasons, including this one we are in now, around providing documents, access and information to the PL in its investigations.

"the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website." so we will hear the final decision eventually.

[Davefevs]

Martyn Ziegler is even suggesting expulsion….maybe their B Team can play in the PL instead

[The Original OTIB]

Just now, Davefevs said:

Martyn Ziegler is even suggesting expulsion….maybe their B Team can play in the PL instead

Just like HMRC and big cos, a deal will be done.

[Galley is our king]

Think we should get a bye into the quarter finals plus 2 million compensation....

[1960maaan]

Man City Legal team are currently filing documents to be used in defence.

 

[Keep the Faith]

Can we have the league cup they screwed us out of in 2018?

[cider-manc]

3 minutes ago, TomF said:

Does say up to 2018 which I guess might not.. it would give UTD one under Jose tho I think? 

Yeah.. on reading it fully manchester united would probably benefit just as much....

Double the reason not to strip man city of their titles!!

[Davefevs]

Worth reading Nick Harris’s tweet thread:

 

[Northern Red]

Don't strip them of anything, but everything they won in the relevant period should be labelled with an asterisk.

[Mr Popodopolous]

29 minutes ago, Keep the Faith said:

Can we have the league cup they screwed us out of in 2018?

Let's say we had won that then beat Arsenal, we are then into Europe, okay Europa League.

Thst prize money probably enables us to take the risk on keeping one if Bryan or Reid going got promotion as well as adding Maenpaa, Hunt, Webster, Weimann. Wonder how much that cost us...ripple effect etc.

Edited February 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Roger Red Hat]

39 minutes ago, The Bard said:

In this country we've always tried to occupy the moral high ground.

Please tell that to the current 'government'!

[Dolman_Stand]

2 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Let's say we had won that them into Europe, okay Europa League.

Thst prize money probably enables us to take the risk on keeping one if Bryan or Reid going got promotion as well as adding Maenpaa, Hunt, Webster, Weimann. Wonder how much that cost us...ripple effect etc.

LJ would have been right about Europe in 5 years....he should sue them personally as he'd have a statue outside Ashton Gate by now if it wasn't for them

[spudski]

Honest question...does anyone not think this goes on in football at many many clubs across the world?

We only talk about it, when there are investigations. 

Surely we attend games and pay for our subscriptions knowing full well corruption is most likely a common theme throughout the sport.

The same with Government. We know they are all corrupt yet we keep voting for them. 

Surely no one is surprised? 

The rich get richer...get found out, often get away with it, or a slap on the wrist, tomorrows chip paper...whilst the fan or voter moans about it, knowing deep down it goes on, yet continues to support it.

Funny ol' world.

 

 

Edited February 6, 2023 by spudski

[Keep the Faith]

9 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Let's say we had won that them into Europe, okay Europa League.

Thst prize money probably enables us to take the risk on keeping one if Bryan or Reid going got promotion as well as adding Maenpaa, Hunt, Webster, Weimann. Wonder how much that cost us...ripple effect etc.

Whilst my comment was a bit tongue in cheek if found guilty what does this open them up to in terms of being sued by pretty much anyone for some sort of loss of revenue? Could be an epic class action!

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, Keep the Faith said:

Whilst my comment was a bit tongue in cheek if found guilty what does this open them up to in terms of being sued by pretty much anyone for some sort of loss of revenue? Could be an epic class action!

I do wonder, everyone who they have eliminated in a Cup competition especially the CL, everyone who has lost out on prize money in the League...well.

[chinapig]

23 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Worth reading Nick Harris’s tweet thread:

 

I've certainly seen it alleged that one manager was paid a second, secret, salary off the books.

[Ring]

15 minutes ago, Dolman_Stand said:

LJ would have been right about Europe in 5 years....he should sue them personally as he'd have a statue outside Ashton Gate by now if it wasn't for them

You can get statues of that size in bronze for about £40.

[Bristol Rob]

41 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Martyn Ziegler is even suggesting expulsion….maybe their B Team can play in the PL instead

Their U21s can knock the first team out of the Papa John's.

[downendcity]

42 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Man City Legal team are currently filing shredding  documents to that could be used in defence their prosecution.

 

[marcofisher]

27 minutes ago, spudski said:

Honest question...does anyone not think this goes on in football at many many clubs across the world?

We only talk about it, when there are investigations. 

Surely we attend games and pay for our subscriptions knowing full well corruption is most likely a common theme throughout the sport.

The same with Government. We know they are all corrupt yet we keep voting for them. 

Surely no one is surprised? 

The rich get richer...get found out, often get away with it, or a slap on the wrist, tomorrows chip paper...whilst the fan or voter moans about it, knowing deep down it goes on, yet continues to support it.

Funny ol' world.

 

 

I don't really think anyone is surprised at all, no.

[exAtyeoMax]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Blige.

give us a bye to the QFs!

I was genuinely missing the WRDCFC thread…

[exAtyeoMax]

1 hour ago, Curr Avon said:

Every little helps Dave!

Seriously though, is a big points deduction in the offing?

 

Relegation to the Championship?

[Bristol Rob]

4 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

Relegation to the Championship?

Fans can't afford to play them again!

[Davefevs]

4 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

I was genuinely missing the WRDCFC thread…

@Mr Popodopolousrubbing his hands with glee, Derby , BCFC FFP , Man City

Its like he’s Han Solo being removed from the carbonate

[Donny T]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Okay this also raised a quite interesting question.

Statute of limitations?? To what extent therefore can the Foorball League under the same aligned P&S regs therefore revisit the Aston Villa to 2019, perhaps the Wolves to 2018 although I'm unsure that was a 2018, Fulham to last year? Stoke recorded some huge losses albeit less problem there owing to Covid, list goes on.

Nottingham Forest to last year- PL with Everton?

Ironically I don't think Bournemouth breached to 2022 but will be of interest to see their 2022 numbers as well.

I’m not as clued up on this sort of thing as you are but didn’t wolves make a big profit in the season before they went hard in the championship? .

[Mr Popodopolous]

11 minutes ago, Winterstoke toad said:

I’m not as clued up on this sort of thing as you are but didn’t wolves make a big profit in the season before they went hard in the championship? .

I'll give it a go.

Think they turned a profit in 2015-16 so the 1st year of the cycle.

The questions about Wolves related less about FFP ie the £39m loss as such, more about whether Neves and co were being paid a true market rate, the links to Mendes etc.

Kieran Maguire, Swiss Ramble both had Wolves within the limits based on the accounts as presented. Question is how did their links with Mendes help with this?

Edited February 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[exAtyeoMax]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

@Mr Popodopolousrubbing his hands with glee, Derby , BCFC FFP , Man City

Its like he’s Han Solo being removed from the carbonate

Kieran Maguire must be excited!

[mozo]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Martyn Ziegler is even suggesting expulsion….maybe their B Team can play in the PL instead

Expulsion would probably precipitate the second push for a 'super league'

[Mr Popodopolous]

5 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

Kieran Maguire must be excited!

SwissRamble too.

[Donny T]

5 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Think they turned a profit in 2015-16 so the 1st year of the cycle.

The questions about Wolves related less about FFP ie the £39m loss as such, more about whether Neves and co were being paid a true market rate, the links to Mendes etc.

Kieran Maguire, Swiss Ramble both had Wolves within the limits based on the accounts as presented. Question is how did their links with Mendes help with this?

Ah I see 

Neves did seem one hell of a mad signing for a championship team 

[downendcity]

As I'm sure has already been mentioned, you can bet that Man City's ( very expensive) lawyers will tie them up with legal wrangling for ever, at the end of which it is almost certain that a "deal" will be done, resulting in a "huge" fine, which will be a drop in the ocean of oil to their owners.

The number of offences ( 100?), that almost certainly huge amounts of money have been hidden, the almost certain advantage this has given over other teams ( some of whom were probably just not as good at financial shenanigans as Man City!), the success they achieved as a result  and the fact that Man City have been obstructive to the enquiry over such a long period should see the book thrown at them - minimum of a massive points deduction, if not relegation to the championship ( as happened to Juve for financial irregularities.

Oh, and once we have played them in the cup and enjoyed the revenue then, if they win, the result should be expunged

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

Unless UEFA do something I cannot see the Commission handing down any stringent measures. Cynical perhaps but unlike Roman Abramovich and the Russian connections this affects the Abu Dhabi deputy PM a member of their Royal Family. Middle Eastern investment in the UK is huge and, while it will be officily denied, expect some subtle pressure to be applied to arrive at an acceptable (to them) result. The Arab League sticks together and a sleight on one is a slight on them all. 

Edited February 6, 2023 by RoystonFoote'snephew
Added content

[exAtyeoMax]

56 minutes ago, spudski said:

Honest question...does anyone not think this goes on in football at many many clubs across the world?

We only talk about it, when there are investigations. 

Surely we attend games and pay for our subscriptions knowing full well corruption is most likely a common theme throughout the sport.

The same with Government. We know they are all corrupt yet we keep voting for them. 

Surely no one is surprised? 

The rich get richer...get found out, often get away with it, or a slap on the wrist, tomorrows chip paper...whilst the fan or voter moans about it, knowing deep down it goes on, yet continues to support it.

Funny ol' world.

 

 

I don’t think anyone is shocked about the alleged fraud itself, more shocked that the PL is actually charging them

There are times in a GE when voting numbers are really low

[Curr Avon]

28 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

Relegation to the Championship?

No, League One. Damn, they'd be back in 2 Sheikhs.

[exAtyeoMax]

1 minute ago, Curr Avon said:

No, League One. Damn, they'd be back in 2 Sheikhs.

That would be hilarious! Just like the old days…

[Davefevs]

10 minutes ago, Winterstoke toad said:

Ah I see 

Neves did seem one hell of a mad signing for a championship team 

I think with Neves it was a case of “if we don’t go up, we will sell him for a good amount that won’t leave us out of pocket”.  They used a few loans too.

[Mr Popodopolous]

18 minutes ago, Winterstoke toad said:

Ah I see 

Neves did seem one hell of a mad signing for a championship team 

Porto's youngest ever CL captain. Yes that's an interesting one...£15m fee 5 year deal was it  in theory amortisation- that's more like the Reading loans on favourable terms from Chelsea from what we know IMO, although one wonders what kind of wages Neves in 2017 should command.

£15m fee, 5 year deal- that aspect isn't too concerning really, amortisation at £3m a year. Expansive but not reckless (at that time).

Edited February 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[cider-manc]

52 minutes ago, spudski said:

Honest question...does anyone not think this goes on in football at many many clubs across the world?

We only talk about it, when there are investigations. 

Surely we attend games and pay for our subscriptions knowing full well corruption is most likely a common theme throughout the sport.

The same with Government. We know they are all corrupt yet we keep voting for them. 

Surely no one is surprised? 

The rich get richer...get found out, often get away with it, or a slap on the wrist, tomorrows chip paper...whilst the fan or voter moans about it, knowing deep down it goes on, yet continues to support it.

Funny ol' world.

 

 

I think everyone knows.

The truth is that it shows the failings in the current FFP rules. While they were set up with the best intentions to prevent the next Portsmouth (perhaps....) and to have a level playing field, they essentially keep the status quo going unless the likes of manchester city cook the books a little.

Manchester united (whilst always a huge club) were able to over spend in the late 80s early 90s to gain an advantage that they basically held onto for the next 25 ish years - They reap the financial benefit to this day as it coincided with the formation of the premier league. Their dominance was momentarily interrupted by arsenal but only really came under challenge when Chelsea and man city got bought out.

Liverpool overspent in the late 70s/early 80s and did similar, and even the likes of forest were paying a million pound for a player at a time it was unheard of so they could retain the European Cup. 

Some of the clubs that were able to do this before FFP, turned themselves into some of the biggest clubs in the world. I've always thought it a little unfair that they held this historic advantage and think a lot of people feel that it's nice to see other clubs challenging the "elite". Which is probably why no-one apart from their fans particularly holds much ill will against manchester city at the moment.

 

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, cider-manc said:

I think everyone knows.

The truth is that it shows the failings in the current FFP rules. While they were set up with the best intentions to prevent the next Portsmouth (perhaps....) and to have a level playing field, they essentially keep the status quo going unless the likes of manchester city cook the books a little.

Manchester united (whilst always a huge club) were able to over spend in the late 80s early 90s to gain an advantage that they basically held onto for the next 25 ish years - They reap the financial benefit to this day as it coincided with the formation of the premier league. Their dominance was momentarily interrupted by arsenal but only really came under challenge when Chelsea and man city got bought out.

Liverpool overspent in the late 70s/early 80s and did similar, and even the likes of forest were paying a million pound for a player at a time it was unheard of so they could retain the European Cup. 

Some of the clubs that were able to do this before FFP, turned themselves into some of the biggest clubs in the world. I've always thought it a little unfair that they held this historic advantage and think a lot of people feel that it's nice to see other clubs challenging the "elite". Which is probably why no-one apart from their fans particularly holds much ill will against manchester city at the moment.

 

If you’re interested I reckon you’d find David Conn’s - The Beautiful Game, a great read.  The history of money influencing today’s big clubs goes back even further.

It is my favourite football book about the non-football side (inc Moneyball, which is obvs about baseball)

[exAtyeoMax]

Do you think the owners will try to offload the club?

will they be held to account?