Man City v Premier League: New ‘behind the scenes talks’ revealed – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed the fight between Man City and the Premier League is “getting messy” behind the scenes.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested governments will be applying pressure, with the “real heavyweights” now becoming involved in the fight.
Last month, Man City brought a two-week arbitration process against the Premier League in a bid to end Associated Party Transaction (ATP) rules.
The champions sued for damages and accused top-flight rules of being anti-competitive and discriminatory towards the Gulf states – but no decision has yet been announced.
City already face 115 alleged financial charges from the Premier League – which are due to be heard in November across six weeks.
Man City fight with Premier League is ‘getting messy’, says Wyness
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (7 March) that the government in the United Arab Emirates could “interfere” in the outcome of that case.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s gone quiet, and to me – that suggests a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations.
“In both parties’ interest, it’s best to try and use private channels to find a way through this.
“I know there will be pressure from outside sources, like governments – for example.
“We’re thirsty for information, but I’m guessing there is still a lot of jockeying going on.
“It’s getting messy, certainly, with governments now involved. The real heavyweights are trying to sort something out now.
“What sort of deal can be struck behind the scenes? I don’t know.
“But some of the best brains in football, government and legal will be working on this problem.
“Watch this space – it’s gone deathly quiet.”
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