CITY LOSES ITS SHINE

Manchester City fans are reeling following allegations the club broke more than 100 financial rules

- NASIFA SULAIMAN

FOR the past 10 or so years, it’s been great to be a Manchester City fan. A new owner signalled a change in the club’s fortunes, allowing it to get superstar signings and must-have managers. The trophy cabinet started to get packed and acclaim and accolades came in thick and fast, much like the fans filling the Etihad Stadium. 

But clouds have come rolling into the Sky Blues’ grounds and the club is accused of breaking several rules to secure its status as the best of the best. If the shocking allegations are found to be true, it would be the biggest scandal in English Premier League history. 

At the heart of the matter is the fact that City allegedly broke more than 100 league rules requiring it to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”. 

The club didn’t do that nor did it cooperate during the investigation, English Premier League bosses allege. And, among other things, it’s been spending more than it’s allowed to, giving it an unfair advantage over other clubs, it’s claimed. 

If City is found guilty of breaking the rules, the club could face a hefty fine, a points deduction that could take it to the relegation zone – or even expulsion from the English Premier League, which would also prevent them from playing in the Champions League. 

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan bought City in 2008 and is accused of disguising his personal funding to the club.

CHANGING FORTUNES