On Friday afternoon, the Athletic's David Ornstein reported that Manchester City were found guilty on all but one of their 115 charges in breaking Premier League financial regulations, which could have a massive ripple effect on the rest of the Premier League, in terms of how clubs spend their money and can sell players.
Although no sanctions have been imposed on the club, the club is expected to appeal the decision issued by an independent commission, following initial investigations into the club's financial activity that began two years ago.
Since the investigations began, Manchester City have pleaded their innocence in relation to these never-before-seen charges, as pointed out in their statement released today.
"“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.Manchester City Statement
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”"
If they are found guilty on the majority of the charges they have been accused of, possible punishments could include relegation, point deductions, or the stripping of their titles.
Although these developments don't impact Chelsea directly, the Blues have already been punished for their breach of Premier League financial regulations in July of this year; the club was fined £10 million and given a suspended transfer ban from registering new players, but luckily avoided a points deduction.
When Todd Boehly came into Chelsea, he self-reported and disclosed potential breaches of the previous ongoing issues related to the profit and sustainability rules that took place at the club when Roman Abramovich was the owner.
Many may think that the Chelsea and Manchester City cases are similar, and although they may be in some aspects, the main difference is that Chelsea let the Premier League know about their wrongdoing, whereas City have constantly been denying any allegations brought towards them
The main issue where Chelsea could get undone is that if Manchester City are found guilty, then the line where the Premier League determines if someone has broken any rules would shift, establishing a new standard for every Premier League club, and would have to be stricter on keeping on top of their finances.
The Blues have spent heavily in recent transfer windows, as well as selling well and maximising their generated revenue, but remain under significant financial scrutiny, so to keep off the Premier League's radar, they would have to make sure they stick to the regulations to avoid any more punishments.
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