“As Severe As You Can Imagine.” – Former Man City Employee On Imminent 115 Charges Case | OneFootball

The 115: what we know so far…

Since the Premier League first brought Manchester City’s financial fair play and non-cooperation charge to light 580 days have passed and we still have had no definitive update.

While the wait for the outcome continues, rival teams grow impatient in wondering whether Manchester City will be justly punished, if the ‘115’ FFP rules are proved to have been broken by the Premier League during what has been a period of unparalleled and unquestionable dominance.

To get an idea of the nitty gritty elements of the case, such as when a verdict may likely be heard and what any potential punishments could look like for the City, Redmen TV’s Dan spoke to a former financial advisor to Manchester City, Stefan Borson.

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Stefan, who advised on City’s finances between 2002-2007, offered his expertise to provide his professional perspective on this ongoing case. Stefan warns ‘This isn’t a simple document to just pour over’ and it will take a while for ‘people to digest it’. In terms of the amount of deliberation and reasoning prosecuting lawyers need to provide it means that there is likely to be very little movement ‘this current season’.

While Stefan’s analysis does provide an explanation for the longevity of the case the frustration grows further, and many Liverpool fans will feel hard done by the fact that as the closest competitors of city in recent years, potential wrongdoings have not yet been punished. Especially where we have seen Nottingham Forest and Everton face conclusive verdicts very quickly concerning their respective charges.

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Given that there are many charges the premier league’s lawyers need to work through, the only thing people can do is wait and see what will happen. As Stefan suggested these ‘allegations are super serious’ and if true have provided City with a significant ‘sporting advantage’.

In light of this, it is fair to say the majority of the footballing community would want the ramifications of these actions to be severe. Not just this, but an example set to other financially privileged clubs that divergence from the standards set by the Premier League board in the future be met with proportionate sanctions.

Redmen Reacts

Whilst there is still so much unknown when it comes to this case, one of the more interesting takeaways from the chat with Stefan is how although many will be eagerly anticipating the verdict, it’s actually in the handing out of the sanctions and punishments where the independent panel face their toughest test.

There is no precedent for this, certainly were all 115 charges to be found against Man City and although the evidence, facts and figures will bring those in charge of ruling over the case to their decision, the punishment will be a whole different matter and according to Stafn, the severity knows no bounds.

One thing that seems certain is that the biggest day in this season’s league campaign is likely to happen nowhere near a football pitch…

Written by Conor McLarnon