The Premier League’s long-running case against Manchester City is moving towards an appeal, despite reports that an independent tribunal has already reached its conclusions on the club’s 115 alleged breaches.
The tribunal’s decision has not been officially published. Reports last Friday claimed Manchester City had lost the majority of the charges, but neither the club nor the Premier League has confirmed that outcome.
The latest developments also include an open letter to Manchester City supporters from chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and renewed indications that the dispute could continue for several more years.
Why has the Premier League not made a statement?
The proceedings are private and confidential, meaning the Premier League cannot comment on the details.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has consistently said he is unable to provide information while the process is under way. The league is required to respect the rules governing the case and allow it to proceed confidentially.
The tribunal’s judgment can only be released if both Manchester City and the Premier League agree to its publication. There is currently no confirmed date for that to happen.
How significant is the reported leak?
The information published last Friday was a leak rather than an official announcement. Its potential impact could become important if Manchester City decided to challenge the process in the High Court.
The club could argue that the proceedings were not fair or impartial because details of the judgment emerged before it had been officially released. Manchester City raised similar concerns about media leaks during its previous legal case against UEFA.
A number of respected sports lawyers have declined to comment because they have not seen the judgment. The document is expected to run to hundreds of pages, and it will take time to assess before a full legal analysis is possible.
Could other clubs seek compensation?
If the charges are ultimately proven, other clubs could be approached by lawyers offering to represent them in compensation claims against Manchester City.
There is precedent for clubs suing other clubs for damages, so legal action is possible. However, the Premier League consists of 20 clubs, and each member would also have to consider the interests of the competition as a whole.
The level of support for any future claims against Manchester City therefore remains uncertain.
What is the appeal process?
Unlike Manchester City’s previous case against UEFA, the Premier League’s rules do not allow an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The regulations provide for an independent tribunal, followed by an appeal to a new three-person panel. That appeal process would effectively be the final stage available within the Premier League’s system.
A further challenge could only be considered in the High Court if there were serious concerns about how the proceedings had been conducted, such as an argument that the process was unfair.
What was the Roberto Mancini allegation?
The issue discussed by former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on Sunday relates to claims published by German outlet Der Spiegel in 2018.
The publication said it had documents which allegedly showed Mancini held two contracts while managing Manchester City. According to the emails cited, he was paid £1.45m net as the club’s manager and had a separate £1.75m-a-year agreement to coach for four days annually at Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira.
Manchester City has consistently maintained that the emails were taken out of context and formed part of a wider attempt to discredit the club.
