Arne Slot’s Liverpool will be keen to learn the outcome of Manchester City’s legal tussle with the Premier League.
In February 2023, the English top-flight leveled 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations against its champion. The charges include claims that the club failed to provide accurate financial information and did not cooperate with investigations spanning nine seasons (2009/10 to 2017/18).
City vehemently denied any wrongdoing and sought to clear its name before an independent panel. The case, heard behind closed doors at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, wrapped up at the end of last year.
A three-man panel has been poring over the evidence, with a final verdict anticipated soon. Rumor has it that if City is found guilty, it could face a financial penalty, point deduction or even have honors stripped. With this in mind, we’ve explored which trophies other clubs could potentially claim if City was to lose its titles.
Manchester United – 2011/12
City clinched its first of three Premier League titles during the nine-season period in question in 2011/12. Sergio Aguero sent Roberto Mancini’s team to victory with a stunning strike in the final moments of stoppage time on the season’s last day.
Not only did City secure its first English top-flight title since the 1967/68 season, but it also prevented its rival from claiming a 20th title. If City was to be stripped of its honors, this trophy would be passed on to Manchester United.
Liverpool – 2013/14
Despite Luis Suarez’s stellar performance, netting a staggering 31 goals and bagging player of the season, Liverpool fell just short of the Premier League summit in the 2013/14 season. A mere two points separated the Reds (84) from City at the top of the table (86) in a season that will forever be etched in memory.
That term, Liverpool boasted the longest winning streak (11 games) and the longest unbeaten run (16 games). Brendan Rodgers’ players also recorded the largest away victory of the season, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 in December.
Manchester United – 2017/18
City clinched its third Premier League title in nine seasons in 2017/18. Under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship, records tumbled; the Spanish manager amassed 100 points and won the English top-flight by a jaw-dropping 19 point margin.
Mohamed Salah claimed the golden boot with 32 goals, yet Liverpool could only manage a fourth-place finish. The following season, Jurgen Klopp turned the tide for the Reds, guiding them to second place – just a single point behind City.
