Man City: Clubs Push for Verdict Before Season Ends — SkimNews
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- Premier League club officials told BBC Sport Manchester City's punishment for breaching the league's financial rules should be handed down before the end of this season, with one anonymous source saying 'it benefits everyone for this to be resolved as quickly as possible.'
- Manchester City were found guilty on all charges relating to breaches of the league's financial regulations spanning the 2009-10 through 2017-18 seasons, including artificially inflating revenue by more than £900m through 'sham' sponsorship deals.
- Manchester City have repeatedly denied guilt and signalled intent to lodge an appeal by the end of this week; the case has already taken three years since City were first charged.
- Premier League regulations state an appeal should conclude no more than 12 weeks after filing, with a decision made within 30 days of its end — procedures that can be expedited to meet deadlines like the close of a season.
- City cannot make a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but could potentially claim the process was not impartial at the High Court, while CEO Ferran Soriano has suggested the case 'will run for a long time.'
- Premier League officials want the matter resolved before the campaign ends amid fears that allowing City to get through the season without punishment could lead to 'uncertainty and farce,' particularly if they win the title.
Why it matters: Club officials fear that without a resolution before season's end — and a possible City title — it creates 'uncertainty and farce.' A 12-week appeal clock gives a procedural path to a fast decision, but CEO Ferran Soriano says the case 'will run for a long time.' The breaches span nine seasons and over £900m in inflated revenue.
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