Manchester City have initiated a legal challenge against the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges. The club is dissatisfied with the appointment of a barrister who is alleged to be an Arsenal supporter, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Additionally, City is questioning the legality of the investigation itself. The club is facing 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of FFP regulations.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Times, City are questioning the legality of the investigation and the involvement of the barrister looking into the charges, who is apparently an Arsenal fan.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
City are facing 115 charges from the Premier League for allegedly breaking financial rules. But they are unhappy that Murray Rosen KC, the head of the Premier League’s independent judicial panel, states on his chambers’ website that he is a “member of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) and Arsenal FC”. Neither City nor the Premier League have commented on the report.
AND WHAT’S MORE:
The possibility that City may have broken the rules has the potential to overshadow the progress made by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad in recent years. The Catalan tactician’s current side are on the brink of a fifth Premier League title in six years, as well as the club’s first ever Champions League trophy.
WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?
As they await the outcome of the investigation and their challenge to it, on the pitch City are preparing for their final two league games, as well as the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final versus Inter.