‘What a farce’ – Richard Keys slams Premier League for latest Man City milestone
Richard Keys has vented his frustrations at the Premier League amid the pending outcome of Manchester City’s financial charges.
The Premier League issued Manchester City 115 charges in February 2023, alleging that the Etihad Stadium club breached the financial fair play rules between 2009 and 2018.
Within that period, the North West side won three top-flight titles, three League Cups, and the FA Cup.
Even though more than two years have passed since Man City were handed the charges, Pep Guardiola’s men are yet to see the conclusion.
Keys slams Premier League as 250 days pass since Man City hearing
The hearing regarding Manchester City’s charges concluded last December, but the former Premier League champions are still awaiting their verdict.
With their future remaining unclear, Man City boss Guardiola has been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing players like ex-Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and former AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
Meanwhile, Richard Keys criticised the Premier League via X on Friday, 15 August: “Wow. More than 250 days have now passed since the City hearing ended. What a farce.”
Guardiola needs outcome of financial charges
Football Insider verdict
The fact that Man City have signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon amid other high-profile additions shows that Guardiola is currently carrying on as usual.
| Opponent | Date |
| Wolves (A) | 16/08 |
| Tottenham (H) | 23/08 |
| Brighton (A) | 31/08 |
However, the pending outcome of the Etihad Stadium side’s financial charges must always linger in the back of the 54-year-old’s mind.
Meanwhile, the side that have won four of the last five Premier League titles fell well below their usual standards last term, losing nine top-flight games.
Man City’s drop-off may not have been unrelated to the pending outcome of their charges.
They also faced an early exit in last campaign’s Champions League, before being beaten by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the last 16 stage of this summer’s Club World Cup.
Guardiola needs the external distractions regarding his club to disappear as soon as possible, or Man City could slip behind both Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League title race once again.