Stefan Borson

Sun 2 March 2025 10:05, UK

La Liga president Javier Tebas has been critical of Manchester City’s operations for several years following his latest allegations aimed at the club.

Speaking to journalists at The Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit on Thursday (27 February), Tebas accused Man City of an Enron-style deception by hiding their costs in affiliated companies.

The US energy firm’s executives were found to have earned millions from using partnerships to generate false profits and hide its debt.

Tebas said La Liga filed a complaint to the European Commission about the Premier League champions’ behaviour in July 2023 and an investigation is currently ongoing over a potential Foreign Subsidies Regulations (FSR) breach.

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider La Liga’s announcements appear to show the complaint was only submitted against PSG.

In another legal battle, Man City’s 115 charges case remains ongoing as they wait to hear the independent panel’s verdict following the hearing in late 2024.

They are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue.

Man City could face new legal battle after rule change

Borson revealed Tebas wants La Liga to benefit from the £2.5billion Man City and PSG have likely invested in the European game under their Middle Eastern owners.

He told Football Insider: “I think it’s fair to say he’s had an issue with City and PSG for many years, probably dating back all the way to the original Uefa investigations into both of those clubs that were settled in 2014, so more than 10 years ago.

“Clearly, he’s wanted the benefit of the revenue that that’s generated in the Spanish leagues. The revenue and profit from selling footballers into the British and French markets, but also the flow through that that’s had into other clubs.

“If you were to take it overall, I would think you’re looking at probably something like €3billion (£2.5billion) has gone into the European game via City and PSG that’s filtered through all of the leagues.

“There is a possibility that he is right that the rules that were brought in in July 2023, which are called the FSR rules, that they could give rise to a potential complaint against City and PSG.

“The point of the FSR rules were relating to foreign subsidies and foreign subsidies would capture Middle Eastern companies involved in European businesses, so that part of it is true.

“The complaint itself appears to have been made only against PSG, according to La Liga’s announcements. They put out an announcement in August 2023, saying that they were pursuing a complaint under the FSR rules that the EU have brought in.

“It never mentioned City, so I don’t know whether it’s true or not. It was all in the press at that time, so this is not a new story.

“It was also in the press at that time that this could have implications for both City and Newcastle, even beyond the complaint into PSG. It’s not new news and not a new battle that Tebas has got against City.”

Man City are targeting two priority areas in the summer transfer window

Man City are targeting a right-back and central midfielder as a priority ahead of the summer transfer window.

Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, while Tino Livramento is also believed to be an option following his impressive performances for Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola is looking to replace Kyle Walker after he joined AC Milan on loan in the January window, with an option-to-buy clause included in the deal.

Man City’s only remaining opportunity to claim silverware this season is in the FA Cup as they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table and were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.

For more Man City news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.