The Premier League is currently standing at the precipice of a momentous juncture triggered by the stern punishments meted out to clubs for financial misconduct. Everton has found itself at the forefront, bearing the brunt with a historic 10-point deduction – the most severe penalty in Premier League history. However, the real intrigue lies in the impending decisions regarding football powerhouses like Manchester City and Chelsea, both entangled in financial control investigations.
The Everton conundrum has sparked a spirited debate in the UK, raising crucial questions about the Premier League’s ability to wield the same level of severity when dealing with other clubs. Manchester City, with a staggering 115 cases under scrutiny, stands as a stark example. Stefan Borson, a legal advisor to City, believes that Everton’s penalty sets a potentially hazardous precedent.
“Ten points for Everton seem harsh for a simple FFP infringement, but it reinforces that sanctions against City (if proven) and now against Chelsea could lead to relegation,” tweeted Borson.
As the football world eagerly awaits the resolution of these financial imbroglios, there is genuine concern about the potential fate awaiting Manchester City and Chelsea. The fear of relegation looms large, especially if the allegations are proven true. The gravity of Everton’s 10-point deduction has set a tone of caution and contemplation for other clubs embroiled in similar investigations.
Martyn Ziegler, a journalist at The Times, believes that the specter of relegation is a tangible threat for both Manchester City and Chelsea. “I think it will be much more severe for both Manchester City and Chelsea if their charges are proven. Manchester City has received 115 charges; Everton had only one, and Chelsea is still under investigation, so we don’t know the number of charges there. If you look at Manchester City, there are many more charges, but they are much more serious. Therefore, Manchester City will have a real fear of a possible Premier League relegation,” stated Ziegler on talkSPORT.
However, the complexity of these cases adds a layer of uncertainty to their resolution. Ziegler notes that the Manchester City case might take at least two years to reach a conclusion, emphasizing the intricate nature of the investigations.
The recent UEFA fine of €10 million imposed on Chelsea for “lack of certain financial information” further complicates the club’s situation. The Premier League is still scrutinizing the period from 2012 to 2019 to determine if Chelsea violated league rules.
