Man City ‘have leverage over Premier League in new behind-the-scenes 115 charges talks’
Man City are still awaiting the verdict on the club’s 115 charges case after the conclusion of a secret hearing in London late last year (2024).
As per top-flight rules, punishment could involve a points deduction and even stretches to the threat of expulsion from the division – but City remain adamant there has been no wrongdoing.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola made rare comments recently (7 February), revealing he expects a verdict to be delivered “in one month”.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has detailed why City could have “leverage” to secure a favourable conclusion in the 115 charges fight.
Man City ‘hold cards they won’t have expected’ in 115 charges fight
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed developments in the separate Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules case could impact City’s fate.
The APT rules have been declared null and void by an independent panel after a challenge from the English champions, but they were replaced by a new set of guidelines in November 2024 – which will also have to be approved independently.
City brought the legal challenge after being prevented from signing lucrative deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank, claiming the rules violated competition law.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “City are building up some leverage around these 115 charges with the latest in the APT rules.
“Maybe that was their plan all along.
“If I’m correct that there will be some leverage for City and the Premier League makes a shift in how they negotiate things behind the scenes, then there’s no doubt it would help them settle the 115 charges.
“If that’s right, they certainly hold cards they won’t have expected.
“Good luck to them.”
Man City star wanted by overseas clubs this summer
On the pitch at Man City, Football Insider has revealed (17 February) that Bernardo Silva is wanted by clubs in Spain, Portugal and Saudi Arabia.
| Appearances (Starts) – all competitions | 34 (29) |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
Silva will assess his City future at the end of the 2024-25 campaign – when he will have just 12 months left to run on his contract.
Pep Guardiola’s side already started their rebuild in January by moving veteran defender Kyle Walker on to Italian giants AC Milan, while Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at the end of this season.
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