The reality at the moment is that Manchester City are fighting for their lives, so to speak. After the Premier League found City guilty of almost all charges brought against them for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules, coverage of the matter has been filled with potential sanctions, how City are damaging football and just about everything in between. However, Manchester City always claimed that they had irrefutable evidence to clear the club’s name. This evidence was revealed in a new report for the Daily Mail. This issue will be in the headlines for some time to come.
As for how I’m going to cover this on esteemedkompany.com from now on, I’ll focus on official updates on the whole thing. Which I will explain below.
Mike Keegan explained to the Daily Mail how Manchester City plans to clear its name.
Manchester City have always maintained they have “irrefutable evidence” to clear the club of Premier League charges. What that evidence was wasn’t always clear, especially after Tuesday’s verdict. Now a report from Mike Keegan has revealed what the reported evidence is.
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Keegan reports that Manchester City will try to clear their name by proving that the Abu Dhabi government funded sponsorship deals with City’s sponsors, not City’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). ADUG made the payments according to an independent commission which heard the same and later labeled them “fraudulent” contracts which saw City illegally transfer more than £900m into the club’s accounts. Manchester City’s evidence, which was rejected by an independent commission, included bank statements and witness accounts.
Also Mike Keegan gives more information on Manchester City’s strategy in the appeal of the verdict, confirmation of City’s appeal should come today. Keegan writes: “High-profile lawyers speaking on behalf of the club are also likely to question the length of time it took the panel to reach a verdict, noting that verdicts in such cases should be handed down within three months (rather than 20) of the end of the trial so judges can properly remember the evidence as they prepare their rulings. As a result of the passing of time, they will say that the decision is “safe”.“
“City will also point out that they have produced at least 24 witnesses in court and that the Premier League has not provided anyone who has confirmed the existence of the alleged conspiracy.“
Mike Keegan’s detailed report for the Daily Mail can be found here and at the link above.
From now on, it’s best to focus on official updates rather than what could potentially happen.
This week there was a spectacular storm over Manchester City and the verdict in the 115 case. Given the magnitude of the case and the verdict of the independent commissions, this is not surprising. This case is as big as the allegations against the City. This is not under question. However, having stepped away from everything to digest what fell at Manchester City’s feet this week, I’ll only be covering the official updates on the job from now on.
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Above all, I am and always will be a Manchester City fan. No matter how long Manchester City appeal, that will never change. As a fan, you can’t turn your back on your team, no matter how tough the circumstances. The owners of City have given me and every other City fan memories that will last a lifetime. They have also invested heavily in Manchester and upgraded the area surrounding the Etihad Stadium. They deserve credit for the last part of that statement.
As for the successes achieved in 2009-2018, that is, the period in which the Premier League’s case is located, time will tell whether it is legitimate, so to speak, the foundation of an era built on weak foundations. Despite how dire the situation looks at this stage from a City perspective, there is an appeal to play.
Final thoughts.
From here, it’s easier to focus on any official updates from this point, from my perspective. There is a team on the pitch for support starting at Anfield next weekend. Manchester City face Liverpool next Sunday in a match that is likely to have a fierce atmosphere given the rivalry between the two clubs and what has happened this week. I’m looking forward to that match given what’s in store for Enzo Maresca’s side. As such, I will cover any official updates that come up regarding the 115 case rather than speculation, rumors and conjecture.
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This week has been a whirlwind for Manchester City. An unprecedented storm hit the club. But hope is not lost yet. The city will appeal the verdict of the independent commission. This appeal is seismic and there is still much to come from here. I’ll keep an eye out for official updates on the whole thing from here, while continuing to cover City on the pitch as always and support a club that I, and many others, love and support unconditionally. It’s all I can do until there’s an official end to this saga. When we get to that point, it will be easier to form a complete opinion from my point of view. It will take more twists and turns to get there, and more pieces will likely be thrown Manchester City’s way.