Premier League told it loses 'all authority' if Man City let off the hook

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 16 Sept 2024 15:07 BST
3 min read

Pep Guardiola, Man City, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

La Liga president Javier Tebas has stressed that Manchester City must be punished for allegedly breaching 115 Premier League rules.

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The independent hearing begins today and it will assess each of the charges can count across 14 seasons (2009-2023).

Man City have denied any wrongdoing, releasing a statement back in 2023 which read: "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."

But Tebas has claimed that if the club are found to be innocent, it would undermine the Premier League as a whole. Speaking exclusively to Ben Jacobs and GIVEMESPORT at the Thinking Football Summit, he said: “The Premier League shouldn't give in to pressure, right?”

“Manchester City is just another club, and when you lead an association, you have to act.

“The Premier League shouldn't differentiate between big or small, or important and ‘non-important’, clubs. Manchester City is a member of the association that has committed irregularities and should receive the sanction it deserves. If not, the competition's authority will be lost.”

© IMAGO - Tebas has called on the panel to find Man City guilty

If Man City are found guilty, the side could receive a points deduction, an explosion from the league.

The Premier League champions have already paid a big fine from UEFA for Financial Fair Play breaches (FFP) following a 2014 investigation.

Man City have dominated since the 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group - they have won eight league titles, multiple cups and the Champions League, which came as part of a treble-winning campaign.

What has Pep Guardiola said about the charges?

"It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon," Pep Guardiola said on Friday. "I am looking forward to the decision.

"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.

"Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we'll see."