Several Premier League clubs are considering legal action against Manchester City to recover financial losses they say resulted from the club’s rule breaches, according to a report by The Athletic.
Clubs eye compensation over lost revenue
The clubs are reportedly examining claims for losses linked to missed Champions League qualification, reduced league-position bonuses, and sponsorship payments they did not receive.
The report said affected clubs believe City’s conduct cost them qualification for European competition in specific seasons, along with the prize money and exposure that come with it. Clubs also pointed to bonus clauses tied to final league position in sponsorship and broadcast deals, arguing that City’s alleged breaches distorted the table and cost them higher payouts.
114 charges from the Premier League
The potential legal action follows findings that Manchester City committed 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, a case that has hung over the club for more than two years.
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 with alleged breaches spanning from 2009 to 2018, covering financial reporting, profitability and sustainability rules, and failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and say they have a body of evidence to support their case.
An independent commission has yet to issue its final ruling on the charges, and no club has formally filed a lawsuit against City to date.
