A 20th English top-flight would be a significant milestone for Liverpool as it continues to carve out its place in history.
However, before that can be confirmed, the Reds will also be keeping a close eye on another result – one that is beyond their control but still of great importance. This refers to the conclusion of matters surrounding Manchester City’s hearing against the Premier League over more than 115 counts of alleged financial rule breaking.
These allegations include accusations that Liverpool’s major rival failed to provide accurate financial information between 2009 and 2018, and subsequently failed to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation. Since February 2023, when City was hit with these charges, the team has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claim to have “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” that it believes will prove its innocence.
The verdict may not be far off, as the trial concluded in London last December, with a three-man independent panel soon set to deliver their findings. Now, the reason why not only Liverpool but many other rivals will be eagerly awaiting the decision is because of the potential punishments a guilty verdict could bring.
So far, speculation has ranged from points deductions large enough to almost guarantee relegation, severe financial restrictions, or even the stripping of titles. On the other hand, if the club is cleared of the accusations leveled against it, the fallout could have enormous implications for the Premier League’s financial regulations, considering those who have previously been found guilty.
Following this, here is a comprehensive list of the charges that City is alleged to have violated. The club strongly denies all charges.
1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80;(b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87;(c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12;(d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12;(e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49;(f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and(i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.
2. In respect of:(a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:(1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and(b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:(1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20;(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20;(3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and(4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.
3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and(b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.
4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and(b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.
There’s always the possibility either City or the Premier League could appeal the verdict, which may force the saga to continue on for several more months or even years.
