Published on 2024-01-23 21:55:47
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has voiced his support for the initial decision to ban Manchester City from European competition for violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. In February 2020, City was handed a two-year ban and a £25 million fine, but this was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport seven months later. However, the Premier League is currently considering potential action against the club.
Last season’s treble winner, Manchester City, faced 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations charged by the Premier League in February last year, following a five-year investigation that began in 2018. Although UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin refrained from commenting on the ongoing Premier League investigation, he reiterated his belief in the correctness of UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body’s decision four years ago.
“I don’t want to speak about the case in England,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph. “But, I trust that the decision of our independent body was correct. I didn’t enter into this decision.”
The Premier League has accused Manchester City of employing delaying tactics in their investigation. However, Chief Executive Richard Masters confirmed last week, via the Daily Mail, that a trial date has been set. He did not disclose when the trial will take place.
The initial decision to ban Manchester City from European competition for breaching FFP regulations has sparked controversy and debate within the footballing world. While the ban was later overturned, the ongoing investigation in the Premier League has kept the issue in the spotlight. As the trial date looms, all eyes will be on the outcome and its potential impact on the future of Manchester City and FFP regulations in football.
