Premier League clubs explore compensation claims over Manchester City case

Premier League clubs have sought legal advice about possible compensation claims against Manchester City, BBC Sport reported on Friday. The consultations began before news emerged that an independent panel had upheld a majority of the financial charges against the club.

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The BBC reported differing expectations about how claims might proceed. One source with senior executive experience at two clubs anticipated individual actions, while a lawyer suggested the league could coordinate the process. Neither account establishes that compensation will be awarded or that a particular route has been agreed.

City deny wrongdoing and, according to the BBC, will appeal. The Premier League had not publicly announced the decision and declined to comment. City said the proceedings remained confidential and significant elements were still unfinished.

The scope of the underlying case was set out in the Premier League's February 2023 referral to an independent commission. Its published statement identified allegations concerning financial reporting across the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. Those requirements covered the accuracy of information about revenue, including sponsorship, as well as related parties and the costs of running the club.

The referral also addressed contractual disclosures of remuneration. Its allegations concerning manager payments covered 2009-10 through 2012-13, while those concerning player payments covered 2010-11 through 2015-16. Separate sections dealt with compliance with UEFA regulations between 2013-14 and 2017-18 and the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules between 2015-16 and 2017-18. These were distinct categories within the original referral, rather than a single allegation covering every aspect of the club's accounts.

Another category concerned cooperation with the investigation from December 2018 onwards, including the supply of documents and information. The league's statement said commission members were appointed by the independent chair of its judicial panel. It also specified that proceedings would be private and confidential, with the commission's final award to be published on the league's website.

For clubs considering compensation, the BBC's report describes legal preparations rather than completed claims or an agreed payout.