Journalist: Can Man City’s Success Exist Without Controversy? | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Triumph and Controversy: Can the Two Be Separated?

Introduction

As another Premier League season draws to a close, the title race remains alive until the final day. The trophy is set to return to Manchester, adorned in sky-blue ribbons, but a replica will be kept ready in north London, just in case a dramatic twist sees Arsenal crowned champions for the first time in 20 years. This thrilling prospect excites neutrals and Arsenal fans alike, yet the likely outcome is Manchester City securing their sixth league title in seven years with a victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.

The Inevitable Conclusion

The scene is familiar: City captain Kyle Walker lifting the trophy under a shower of blue ticker tape, Premier League chair Alison Brittain standing awkwardly on the podium, and chief executive Richard Masters relieved to have spent the afternoon at Arsenal. Meanwhile, “Lance Armstrong” and the number “115” trend on social media, and Pep Guardiola expresses shock and disdain when questioned about the elephant in the room—the 115 charges against Manchester City.

The Complicated Success Story

City’s success story is undeniably complicated. Amnesty International has described Sheikh Mansour’s ownership as “one of football’s most brazen attempts to ‘sportswash’ a country’s deeply tarnished image through the glamour of the game.” The Premier League has referred City to an independent regulatory commission over 115 alleged breaches of its financial regulations, spanning nine seasons during which City won three Premier League titles. As reported in an Insightful Piece by Oliver Kay in The Athletic.

The investigation, first raised by Der Spiegel in 2018, has been protracted, involving legal hurdles and delays. City has continued to dominate the league, winning additional titles even after the charges were brought. The complexity of the case, unlike more straightforward breaches by Everton and Nottingham Forest, suggests that City might win more titles before the matter is resolved.

Impact on Premier League and City

This situation tarnishes the Premier League’s brand. Its dominant club faces serious allegations, raising questions about the league’s ability to regulate its clubs and competition effectively. It also affects City, whose chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressed frustration last June, saying the characterisation of the club due to the allegations detracts from its achievements.

Praise for City’s accomplishments is inevitably tempered by these allegations. The phenomenal group of players and their achievements under Guardiola are always viewed with a caveat: could this success have been achieved without breaking the rules?

Disputing Allegations and Reputation

City disputes the context of the emails published by Der Spiegel, although not their veracity. They challenge the legitimacy of the case, claiming an “organised and clear attempt to damage (its) reputation.” The club’s reputation has indeed suffered. Even when the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a two-season ban from UEFA competition in 2020, it highlighted City’s “blatant disregard” for UEFA’s investigation, non-cooperation, and a significant fine.

Differentiating Team and Club

Should these allegations affect our view of the team? Can we separate the ownership and executive management from the football team? It is possible to have concerns about sportswashing and financial breaches while admiring Guardiola and his players for their extraordinary achievements.

Photo: IMAGO

However, expressing such a view often invites criticism from both sides. Questioning the club’s financial arrangements might lead to accusations of bias against City or the Middle East, while praising City’s brilliance can result in being labelled a supporter of their controversial ownership.

Admiring City’s Brilliance

Despite the allegations, it’s hard not to admire Guardiola and his players. Their consistency and brilliance over the past seven seasons are arguably unmatched in English football history. The number of league titles, goals, wins, and points is impressive, especially in an era when the Premier League has finally become Europe’s strongest league due to its commercial and financial strength.

City’s technical brilliance and ingenuity, particularly under Guardiola’s possession football philosophy, have redefined English football. While their style has evolved, becoming more controlled and less electrifying, they remain formidable and focused.

Resilience and Future Implications

City’s resilience is their most underrated quality. If found guilty and punished for accounting offences, it will cast a shadow over this golden era. However, comparing this situation to Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal is inaccurate. Breaching financial regulations is different from doping, and even in the worst-case scenario, City’s case is not as morally egregious.

City fans might question why spending regulations became a focus for dominant clubs in the late 2000s. While this doesn’t affect the rights or wrongs of their case, it highlights that Financial Fair Play principles were not initially strict.

Conclusion

City’s success is not solely due to financial power. Guardiola’s ability to elevate players and the club’s top-class football operation are crucial. While the allegations raise questions about the institution, they should not overshadow the admiration for Guardiola and his players.

As Manchester City prepares for another potential judgment day, the real day of reckoning lies ahead. The sportswashing accusations, Der Spiegel’s allegations, and the 115 charges are the prism through which this sporting empire is viewed. Yet, the brilliance of the team deserves recognition and praise.