As a result, what has happened?
There are 115 accusations against the current Premier League champions concerning alleged financial fair play violations.
Both Everton and Nottingham Forest, two fierce Premier League rivals, have lost points due to breaches of the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
EFL chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who also leads Peterborough in League One, expressed doubt that any significant action would be taken, referencing how Juventus lost a title during the 2006 Calciopoli scandal.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said, “I’m not sure what the rule is regarding such allegations. I don’t know the penalty. I don’t know of any precedents. Does each charge cost two points? It all seems nonsensical to me, though the media will run headlines like ‘relegation,’ ‘banned,’ and ‘titles stripped.’ Yes, that happened in Italy, but I don’t think you can rewrite history, and I don’t support that idea.
“Everyone in sports tries to work around the rules. Let me speak for the EFL: I’m not accusing Man City of doing this. But to build the best team possible, people look for ways around the system, despite wage caps, rules, and other restrictions.
I’m not saying anyone is breaking laws or regulations, but there is definitely rule-bending happening, and the Premier League is no exception.
Man City, given who they are and what they’ve achieved over the past decade, are a big target for media scrutiny. I suggest we wait and see how it all unfolds.”
As the financial fair play controversy continues, questions have also arisen about Pep Guardiola’s future at City. MacAnthony noted that the Catalan coach is entering the final year of his contract, stating, “I can’t speak for Pep, but he’s been there six years, maybe more, actually eight years, which is a long time for him. He might be like Jurgen Klopp, where after winning so much, he may think, ‘You know what? I need a break.’
“This is a high-pressure game, and I understand why Klopp took a break. Whether as a manager or an owner, it’s exhausting.
The relentless grind since Covid has been overwhelming. When people talk about physical and mental wellness, these guys are going through it. I can only imagine how Pep feels mentally and physically.
He might need some time off. If I were Man City, I’d say, ‘Pep, take a year off. We’ll put your assistant in charge for a year, and you can return after a well-deserved rest.’ I would’ve done the same with Klopp.”
What’s next?
With four consecutive Premier League titles, City has rewritten football history. They are set to play preseason friendlies against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea in the U.S. before starting their title defense on August 18 at Stamford Bridge.
