Manchester City question ‘tactical’ timing of Premier League charges for alleged financial breaches | OneFootball

Manchester City have questioned the timing of the Premier League’s decision to charge them with over 100 alleged breaches of financial rules.

The Premier League champions were hit with a series of charges by the Premier League on Monday morning following a four-year investigation.

In a statement, Manchester City said that they were “surprised” by the Premier League’s decision and that the club “look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all” as the Blues hold a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”

Alleged breaches took place over an extended period from 2009 to 2018 and relate to financial information, profitability and sustainability, player and manager remuneration, failure to cooperate and UEFA regulations.

Manchester City are widely claimed to have since questioned the timing of the Premier League’s announcement, with Mike Keegan reporting that City officials believe that it comes as ‘no coincidence’ that such charges have arisen ahead of the UK Government’s plan to publish a White Paper relating to an independent footballing regulator.

The White Paper was due to be published on Tuesday however has been pushed back to February 20th at the earliest.

Keegan further writes that the decision to issue over 100 charges against Manchester City may send a ‘powerful’ warning to Downing Street that the Premier League can govern itself.

Sky Sports journalist Vinny O’Connor reported that there was a feeling around the Etihad Stadium that charges were ‘a bit of political manoeuvring’ from the Premier League.

James Ducker writes that the club believe the announcement is ‘tactical’ ahead of the imminent publication of the football governance White Paper.

Manchester City were also reportedly ‘alarmed’ not to receive any prior notice of the charges.