Man City 115 Charges Exclusive: Big update today after done deals
Manchester City are not preparing themselves for a potential transfer ban following their January spending spree, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League champions have already spent more than £120million on three new signings this month in a bid to strengthen their squad.
Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have all made the move to the Etihad from Eintracht Frankfurt, Lens and Palmeiras.
It comes after Man City have been locked in a legal battle with the Premier League, having been dealt 115 charges in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
They are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue.
An independent commission hearing started in mid-September and ended last month, with the panel now considering its verdict.
There have been some suggestions Pep Guardiola’s side have decided to undertake their January spending spree due to fears they could land a transfer ban if they are found guilty of the charges.
Sources have told Football Insider it is extremely unlikely a transfer ban would be viewed as the appropriate punishment if Man City are found to have committed any serious breaches.
Their January spending is understood to be purely based around improving their squad following their disappointing opening half of the campaign.
Man City confident about 115 charges after transfer activity
Football Insider revealed last April Man City could be relegated to the Championship if they are found guilty of the charges.
Their lawyers are expected to appeal against any potential punishment after the club have been adamant they haven’t done anything wrong since the charges were handed out almost two years ago.
Football Insider revealed last August the case is unlikely to reach a full conclusion until late 2025 if any appeals are launched against the verdict.
Etihad chiefs are continuing to prepare the club for the future following their recent signings and Erling Haaland’s new contract.
It was confirmed on 17 January the Norway international has signed an extension with the club until 2034.
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Man City have shown a “massive” sign of confidence in their 115 charges case by agreeing a new deal with their star forward.
Haaland and his teammates are, however, continuing to struggle for consistency on the pitch this season as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and 25th in the revamped league phase of the Champions League.
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