Man City sign lawyer whose pay will match De Bruyne

Robin Bairner

• 8 Feb 2023 12:31 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester City may just have made their most important signing of the season: Lord Pannick KC.

The Etihad side are in hot water over a string of allegations that they have breached the Premier League’s financial rules, with more than 100 counts tabled against them.

The punishment, if found guilty of some or all of these infractions ranges from a fine or a points deduction all the way through to potential expulsion from the league itself – although for the moment that is not being considered a serious possibility.

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Man City, though, recognise the danger that they find themselves in and, according to TheLawyer.com, have splashed out on one of England’s top lawyers to make their case.

Perhaps what is most eye catching about the appointment, though, is the wage that is being offered to the barrister.

It is reported that Pannick earns between £5,000-£10,000 per day, or £400,000 per week, which would put him on a par with Kevin De Bruyne, who is not only Man City’s high earner, but also the best renumerated player in the Premier League.

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Even at the lower end of his pay scale, TheLawyer points out, Pannick would earn more than all but seven players in the Manchester City squad.

This appointment and the money that City are willing to spend on it shows how seriously they are treating the allegations towards them.

Manchester City statement

The club, meanwhile, have denied the accusations and say they are surprised that the situation has come to this.

In a statement published on their official website, they state: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with. The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

City, meanwhile, face a significant wait before proceedings start, but once a decision is made, they will not be able to refer their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.