All attention is on Manchester City in light of Everton’s 10-point deduction, prompting questions about Liverpool’s prospects. Football financial expert Nick Harris suggests that Manchester City’s accomplishments might face scrutiny following Everton’s significant punishment.
An independent commission upheld the Premier League’s decision to impose the most severe penalty in its history on Everton for violating profit and sustainability regulations over three years, pushing them into the relegation zone despite recent positive performances.
Post-verdict discussions revolve largely around Manchester City, who faced over 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules from 2009 to 2018, a case that will also undergo scrutiny by an independent panel. This raises doubts about the legitimacy of City’s honors, especially considering their success during that period. Given Everton’s punishment and Liverpool’s status as their primary rival throughout, any decision against City will come under heavy scrutiny on Merseyside.
During an interview on The Rest Is Football podcast with Alan Shearer, financial expert Harris discussed the potential impact of a guilty ruling on City’s achievements, suggesting that their successes might come with asterisks. He pointed out the uncertainties: “The big question that has lingered in football for five years is what happens with Manchester City? Are they genuinely innocent as they claim, or have they systematically manipulated financial records for a decade or more until 2018?”
Harris raised concerns about the implications for City’s achievements, acknowledging their outstanding coach and exceptional players but questioning the methods used to attain success. He added, “It’s a period of uncertainty – I can’t see any other way. If City is found guilty, it raises significant doubts about all they’ve accomplished. Conversely, if they’re innocent, it questions the Premier League’s extensive five-year investigation and multiple charges that might not stand up.”
The uncertainty surrounding City’s case remains pivotal, with implications for the integrity of their achievements and the thoroughness of the Premier League’s investigations.