The Premier League and the Football Association in England face a more uncertain future than ever. The most popular league in world soccer is being taken to court by its champions. Manchester City who are under investigation for a reported breach of 115 regulations related to the Financial Fair Play, have sued the Premier League, making the coming months crucial for the future of soccer in England as well as Europe.
Inevitably, potential consequences surrounding the legal dispute have begun surfacing. According to the Premier League CEO, Richard Masters, an official hearing regarding City’s alleged 115 charges is also around the corner. Pep Guardiola led Manchester City to win their fourth Premier League title in a row recently, becoming the first-ever side in the history of the league to do so.
Manchester City aim to end the Associated Party Transaction Rules
The Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction Rules require any transaction to undergo a judgment mechanism to determine its fair market value. Led by Sheikh Mansour and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City have moved to court to challenge this regulation which they consider is ‘unfair’ and ‘discriminatory’. The legal proceedings are set to start from June 10.
Being backed by the massive state power of the UAE, City have always attracted attention to their financial actions. The club’s decision to take legal action against the Premier League represents their intentions to not back off due to their allegations. Reportedly, the English champions have prepared a 165-page legal document highlighting their claim of being the victims of ‘discrimination against Gulf ownership’.
Pep Guardiola’s eight-year project at City in jeopardy
Starting from the latter years of last decade, Manchester City have firmly established themselves among the elite clubs in European soccer. This incredible feat would not have been possible without the appointment of the great Pep Guardiola in 2016. Although his first season did not bear the desired results, City have been grabbing trophies from everywhere since then.
The verdict of the court battle can potentially have dire consequences for Manchester City. Guardiola has often communicated his desire to not continue as the City boss if his side is announced guilty of misconduct. Relegation to the lower divisions has been discussed as a possible punishment for Manchester City, which would send the club back various levels from its current status as one of the greatest teams in the world.