Exclusive: Man City could land £70m+ blow after 115 charges twist
Manchester City could be forced to pay more than £70million in compensation to other clubs if they are found guilty of major breaches in their 115 charges case, sources have told Football Insider.
Man City were dealt the charges by the Premier League in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
The English champions are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue.
An independent commission hearing into the 115 charges started on 16 September and is scheduled to last around 10 weeks.
But Football Insider revealed on 17 August the case is unlikely to reach a full conclusion until late 2025 if any appeals are launched against the verdict.
The Times reported on 5 November a number of Premier League clubs have reserved the right to seek compensation against Man City.
It is said the action has been advised by lawyers even before the outcome of the case is delivered as there is a potential six-year statute of limitation period dating back to 5 November 2018.
Sources have told Football Insider all 35 clubs who finished below Man City in the Premier League during the nine-year period could submit a claim suggesting they finished at least one place lower as a result of the alleged breach and want to receive a minimum of £2million in compensation.
Independent panel can hand out compensation in Man City case
Another potential avenue for clubs to seek compensation is around loss of chance.
In English law, loss of chance is a legal concept that refers to a situation where a defendant’s actions cause a claimant to lose the opportunity to gain a benefit or avoid a loss.
Sources have told Football Insider a club could argue they missed out on a Champions League place if Man City’s alleged breaches are proven, opening up the possibility for them to submit a compensation claim.
The independent panel does have the power to award any interested parties compensation or clubs can seek damages through arbitration under Rule X of the Premier League handbook.
But it is understood it could take a significant amount of time before any compensation claims could be settled due to the complexity of the case.
Football Insider revealed in April Man City could be relegated to the Championship if they are found guilty.
But Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to appeal against any potential punishment after their lawyers have been adamant the club haven’t done anything wrong since the charges were handed out over a year-and-a-half ago.
In other news, 31-year-old could quit Man City and join title winners.
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