Premier League clubs ‘to push’ for second Manchester City finance probe

The Independent reports that a group of Premier League rivals are pushing for a fresh investigation into Manchester City's post-2018 finances, after September's confirmation of 114 guilty verdicts against the club.

The original ruling covered alleged breaches from 2009 to 2018, and the latest push has exposed a split among chief executives, with some urging swift scrutiny and others wary of another drawn-out legal fight.

Flashpoints include the commission's findings that some sponsorship deals were allegedly disguised as owner funding, and that City and Abu Dhabi-based sponsors were related parties. Rivals doubt such practices ceased after 2018, and think any unchanged relationships could underpin further charges.

Others are disillusioned, fearing a second case would deepen the sport's awkwardness and preferring to draw a line rather than start another lengthy probe.

Any follow-up would face hurdles, since the first case leaned heavily on leaked 2018 emails, and comparable post-2018 evidence is seen as unlikely.

Even so, some view the prospect of a second case as leverage to nudge City towards accepting any impending punishment instead of prolonging appeals.

The mooted window spans a glittering spell under Pep Guardiola, with six Premier League titles in eight seasons.

City deny the charges and have appealed, insisting they possess "irrefutable evidence" to clear their name. A decision on the appeal and any sanctions is expected in the New Year.

If the guilty verdicts stand, penalties could range from a substantial fine to a severe points deduction or even expulsion.

Source: Goal.com

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