In the spring of 2023, Premier League giants Manchester City were hit by a sudden financial storm, accused of breaching regulations involving as many as 115 infractions, and threatened with the dire consequences of relegation if convicted. A major trial over the single goal will kick off in September and a verdict is expected to be announced in January next year, the Daily Mail revealed.
The four-year-long investigation revealed a series of financial irregularities at Manchester City between 2009 and 2018, including failure to accurately report income, problems with leaders' wages, and a disregard for the principles of financial fairness. Penalties for the breaches could have resulted in the deduction of points, a transfer ban, and even the stripping of the league title and even expulsion from the Premier League.
In the face of the allegations, Manchester City vehemently denied and launched a counter-attack this summer. They plan to take legal action against the Premier League, accusing the league of discriminatory policies and arguing that so-called "connected transactions" are illegal. City hope that this case will lead to a reversal of the relevant regulations, thus providing more legal basis for the fight against financial irregularities.
Manchester City has won the Premier League for four consecutive years in its illustrious history and has become a top force in the world of soccer. If the allegations lead to relegation, it would be far more shocking than the relegation of Serie A champions Juventus in 2006 due to the "Phonegate" scandal.
