Man City case casts a long shadow over the new season

There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case, and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”

It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.

There is a striking thought, that feels like it hasn’t been fully grasped as pundits talk about whether Pep Guardiola must sign another forward. If the repeat champions are found guilty, it could mean the main title challengers suddenly drop right down the table or are even expelled.

It’s why this really has to be discussed before any other football this season, as the English game faces a truly unprecedented situation. If it does get to that, it will bring doubt on all of their titles going back to the start of the period covered by these 100plus charges. Even if City are found not guilty, or any sanction is deemed too soft, the fervent feeling among rivals could lead to civil war. Aside from the upheaval of financial rules, there is the possibility of open revolt from clubs who believe they can’t compete with a state-owned project.