Stefan Borson shares Man City 115 charges warning after analysing ‘interesting’ new document
Lucas Paqueta’s case provides a “forewarning” into how long the judgement will be in Man City’s 115 charges battle.
It was confirmed in July Paqueta has been cleared of his spot-fixing charges after an independent regulatory commission found them to be “not proven” following a hearing between March and May this year.
The FA announced on 3 September it will not be appealing the verdict after the 314-page long written reasons for the commission’s decision have been published.
Man City were dealt 115 charges by the Premier League in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
An independent commission hearing started in September last year and ended in December, with the panel still considering its verdict.
Man City get ‘good indicator’ ahead of 115 charges verdict
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
The commission’s judgement revealed it found aspects of the FA’s case against Paqueta “surprising” and “concerning”, while the panel called into question the governing body’s decision to not seek independent expertise on betting data.
The Times reported on 3 September Paqueta and West Ham are considering legal action against the FA for damages over his collapsed move to Man City in 2023.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It’s an interesting read, it’s just very long.
“I think there’s a forewarning of what’s going to happen when we get the City decision because the City decision is going to be even longer, probably double or even more.
“It’s just a good indicator that you’re going to hear a lot about the City decision but not many people will have taken the time to actually read it just because it’s going to be war and peace.”
West Ham make Lucas Paqueta transfer decision after Man City swoop
Paqueta was linked with Man City again this summer after being cleared of the charges.
However, the Brazil international remained at the London Stadium after Graham Potter made it clear he’s an integral member of his side.
Paqueta scored from the penalty spot in West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on 31 August.
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