Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed earlier this week that a date has been set for Manchester City to have their hearing on 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s Financial Fairplay rules. A constant theme throughout has been the presumed guilt of the treble winners. Since the club was charged by the Premier League it has been presumed by the majority they will be found guilty.
It does pose a question has the possibility that Manchester City aren’t guilty of the charges been considered?
Stefan Borson raises the possibility that Manchester City will beat the charges
Yesterday talkSPORT featured a fantastic segment with football finance expert and former Manchester City advisor Stefan Borson. The possibility of Manchester City being found guilty was raised. If the club is found guilty of the 115 charges there is no doubt that the sanction would be severe. Relegation would almost certainly be at play as a penalty. Almost immediately after the segment talkSPORT ran with the headline which can be seen below.
While it’s a distinct possibility that could happen another key point from Stefan Borson has been overlooked. In the coverage of his wonderful interview with Simon Jordan and Jim White, another key snippet has been glossed over. Borson believes that ultimately Manchester City will be found not guilty of the charges. He went into detail saying a case of this magnitude could be almost impossible for an independent panel to prove amongst other very valid observations. The full clip can be seen below.
The possibility of Manchester City being not guilty is being overlooked
There is a very high possibility that Manchester City could be found not guilty of the charges. It has been overlooked ever since the charges were announced in February 2023. The coverage of the case has focused on the possible penalties if and when City are found guilty. As if it is a certainty that the treble winners will be found guilty. The coverage from talkSPORT of yesterday’s interview with Stefan Borson is an example of this.
But Borson did raise the possibility that the champions could be found not guilty. It is a distinct possibility as the finance expert explained on talkSPORT. It’s one that hasn’t been considered by the majority.
When the hearing takes place and a verdict is reached it does pose a question. If Manchester City are successful in clearing the club’s name what will the reaction be?