Man City vs Premier League – 115 charges, new lawsuit & 35 allegations detailed

City have claimed since they were charged by UEFA over Financial Fair Play breaches that the “attempt to damage the club’s reputation is clear.” They beat a subsequent two-year Champions League ban after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

City insist they also have “irrefutable evidence” to prove that the 115 Premier League charges are spurious. Thirty-five of the allegations relate to non-cooperation with the investigation – an issue that cost the club a £10million fine when a similar charge made by UEFA was upheld by CAS.

City felt UEFA could not be trusted to keep confidential information private – and they may now have similar concerns with the Premier League after details from their 165-page legal argument about APT were made public.

‌There is a feeling inside the Etihad that this latest wrangle is being viewed as an attempt to avoid having to answer the allegations in front of an independent commission. City believe they have a strong legal argument that proves the APT regulations do not adhere to the law of the land. The fact that two weeks have been set aside for an independent arbitration panel to make a judgement on the matter suggests their case has some merit.

City warned in February that they were prepared to take legal action – and it would seem they have had at least one sponsorship deal rejected by the Premier League given they are also seeking damages.

Club chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarek admitted during his annual address to City’s supporters that it is frustrating to have the Premier League case hanging over Pep Guardiola ’s team after they had made history by winning a fourth successive title.

Khaldoon said: “I can feel for our fanbase, and everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced. I think we as a club have to respect there is a process we have to go through – and we’re going through it.

“It’s taken longer than what everyone hoped for, but it is what it is – and I have always repeated, let’s be judged by the facts and not by claims and counter-claims.”

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