What Happened?
The current Premier League champions have been hit with 115 allegations related to Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations. These charges stem from breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Meanwhile, Premier League rivals Everton and Nottingham Forest have already faced consequences for similar violations, with both teams receiving point deductions.
The ongoing investigation into these allegations has stirred significant debate within the football community, raising questions about the severity of potential penalties that could be imposed on Manchester City if they are found guilty of breaching financial regulations.
What Did MacAnthony Say?
Peterborough United’s chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, who also serves as an EFL chairman, shared his thoughts on the issue during an interview with TalkSPORT. MacAnthony expressed skepticism about the likelihood of harsh penalties being imposed on Manchester City, despite the severity of the accusations. Drawing a comparison to Juventus, who had a league title stripped from them during the 2006 Calciopoli scandal in Italy, MacAnthony argued that significant punishments like relegation or the revocation of past titles are unlikely to happen in the Premier League.
He said, “I’m not sure what the policy is for such charges. I have no idea what the penalty could be. Historical precedents in these situations are unclear to me. Two points per charge seems reasonable, but I think headlines like ‘relegation,’ ‘banned,’ or ‘past league titles given back’ are all far-fetched and ridiculous in my view. While something like that happened in Italy, I don’t believe it’s reasonable to change the past. I find that objectionable.”
MacAnthony went on to suggest that attempts to manipulate financial rules are common across the football world, not just limited to Manchester City. “Everyone in football seeks ways to bend the rules,” he remarked, adding that, “With all the salary caps, restrictions, and everything else, every club tries to work within the system to build the strongest team possible.
I’m not saying anyone is breaking the law, but even the Premier League is not exempt from rule-bending practices.”
He also emphasized the need for patience, advising that the process should run its course before any judgments are made. “Let it play out, and let’s see what happens in the end. Man City, given who they are and what they’ve achieved over the last decade, seem like easy targets for media attention.”
Concerns Over Pep Guardiola’s Future
MacAnthony also weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City. The Catalan coach, who has been in charge for six years and is in the final year of his contract, may be considering his options after a highly successful tenure.
MacAnthony suggested that Guardiola could be contemplating a break, similar to what Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted at in the past, after years of sustained success.
“I can’t speak for Pep, but I think he’s done six years, maybe more, which is quite a long time for him. He may decide, like Jurgen Klopp, that after winning so much consecutively, it might be time for a year off,” MacAnthony speculated.
He pointed to the mental and physical toll the game takes on managers, especially given the relentless nature of the football calendar, particularly since the onset of COVID-19. “This game is unrelenting, and it makes sense why Jurgen Klopp might want to take a break. Being in that intense environment for years is tough enough. I can only imagine the stress Pep is under, so perhaps he does need a break.”
MacAnthony even suggested that Manchester City could offer Guardiola a sabbatical. “If I were City, I’d tell Pep to take a year off, let his assistant manage for a season, and then come back refreshed after a good break.”
Manchester City’s Success
Over the past decade, Manchester City has become a dominant force in English football. The club has won four consecutive Premier League titles, cementing its place in the record books. As they prepare for the new season, City is slated to play pre-season friendlies in the United States against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
Their Premier League title defense will officially begin on August 18 at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Despite the current controversies, City’s recent achievements and their position as one of Europe’s elite clubs cannot be overlooked.
