Dave Hendrick: City’s FFP Trial Will Change The Landscape | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Charges and Potential Consequences: What Dave Hendrick Thinks

In a recent episode of the Daily Red Podcast, hosted by Dave Hendrick on Anfield Index, the conversation took a serious turn toward Manchester City and their looming financial fair play (FFP) charges. These 115 charges, spanning from 2009 to 2018, have brought a significant cloud over the Premier League giants, with the potential consequences ranging from points deductions to even more severe penalties. Hendrick breaks down the situation with great clarity and insight.

Manchester City’s FFP Breaches: A Long Road Ahead

Dave Hendrick doesn’t mince words when it comes to Manchester City’s financial misconduct. He outlines how these 115 charges pertain to their financial dealings over a significant period and stresses that the consequences could be monumental. “This is not going to be a quick trial… it’s going to go for months because every single charge needs to be presented, argued, and proven,” Hendrick explained, emphasising how lengthy and complex this process will be. The saga could stretch well into the new year, with Hendrick speculating that “it may be February or March of next year before we have an actual punishment or decision.”

Stripping Titles: A Serious Possibility

Hendrick touches on the most significant potential outcome: the stripping of three Premier League titles City won during the period under investigation. The first of these came under Roberto Mancini, followed by two more under Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola. “Those three titles could well be stripped from them,” Hendrick said, pointing to the likelihood that further investigations might be needed for post-2018 seasons, implying that City’s financial manipulations could still be ongoing.

While many fans and pundits expect Manchester City to escape with just a points deduction, Hendrick cautions against jumping to conclusions: “Some people think this could lead to them getting a points deduction… I don’t see it happening this season.” He notes that while some predict a lighter punishment, there’s a real possibility of more severe action, including being expelled from the league. “There’s a very strong possibility of them being dismissed from the league,” Hendrick adds, though he acknowledges that political pressure could influence the final decision.

City’s Position in the Premier League: A Shaky Foundation

One of the more intriguing insights Hendrick offers is the impact of Manchester City’s potential punishments on the broader Premier League landscape. Liverpool fans have long been vocal about their frustrations with City’s financial dominance, and the repercussions of the investigation could shake up the league. “This is not just about a points deduction; this is about changing the competitive landscape,” Hendrick says. He believes that these hearings may not only damage City’s current standing but alter how clubs approach financial regulations in the future.

If the investigation proves all charges, Hendrick speculates that City could face penalties much worse than just points lost or stripped titles. “It could be a lot more serious for them,” he says, referencing the speculation about relegation or even dismissal from the Premier League.

The Broader Implications for Liverpool and the Premier League

While the investigation is squarely focused on City, Hendrick also reflects on what this means for Liverpool, their Premier League title-winning campaigns, and the competition as a whole. “We need to see the right punishment to restore fairness,” Hendrick argues. He notes that if City were found guilty, their dominance over the past decade could be seen in a very different light. Clubs like Liverpool, who have consistently adhered to FFP rules, could stand to gain from a recalibrated Premier League, one where financial doping is no longer tolerated.

In Hendrick’s view, this investigation could be the catalyst for much-needed reform. “If this goes the way it should, we could see changes in how the Premier League operates. It’s about more than just City; it’s about the integrity of the competition.”