Richard Masters, the CEO of the Premier League, maintained a reserved stance when questioned about the financial fair play (FFP) charges levelled against Manchester City. The club has been under scrutiny for allegedly breaching FFP regulations, a matter that remains unclarified as nearly two years have passed since charges for 130 infractions were brought forth. Expectations that a verdict would be delivered before the last season concluded remained unmet, with the latest conjectures pointing to an announcement possibly in October.
During a promotional trip to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, Masters was approached by NBC Sports regarding the ongoing case. He reiterated the confidentiality of the process, stating, “Our rules are very clear; it’s a confidential process, so I really can’t give any information about timing or anything like that.”
These allegations encompass a ten-year period from 2009 to 2018, including numerous instances of failing to provide accurate financial data and non-compliance with both UEFA’s and the Premier League’s FFP regulations. A 12-week hearing unfolded between September and December in front of an independent commission.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has consistently defended the club against these allegations, asserting the charges are unfounded and that City has spent on par with its rivals. In February, Guardiola expressed, “Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, [Manchester] United, Arsenal, Tottenham, even from Liverpool. Respect the other ones, but in one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence.”
Guardiola previously declared in 2022 his trust in the club, mentioning he would leave if it transpired they had misled him. He stated, “I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one, and I defend the club because of that.”
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