Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the 115 charges against Manchester City for alleged breaches of financial rules, some dating back to 2009. In a recent interview with BBC Sports editor Dan Roan, Masters stated that it is “self-evident” that the case must be resolved for the benefit of the league.
An independent disciplinary commission is expected to hear the case soon, although the exact date remains unconfirmed. City, who deny all charges, were formally charged in February 2023. According to BBC Sport, the hearing is likely to begin next month, with a decision anticipated early next year.
Masters acknowledged the prolonged nature of the investigation and stressed the importance of resolving the matter. “It’s been going on for a number of years, and I think it’s self-evident that the case needs to be heard and answered,” he said.
While he could not provide specific details about the timing of the hearing, Masters assured that once the case is concluded, a decision will be published, addressing all relevant questions.
In a separate but related legal issue, Manchester City is challenging the Premier League over new regulations on ‘fair’ sponsorship deals. However, Masters was unable to comment further as this process is “entirely confidential.” BBC Sport reports that the outcome of this case is expected in the coming weeks.
‘We Don’t Want Asterisks Against League Tables’
Premier League clubs are currently trialing an alternative financial system similar to a spending cap, which operates alongside the existing Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The PSR has posed challenges for some clubs, with Nottingham Forest and Everton both facing points deductions last season, and Leicester also being charged.
Masters emphasized that the aim of these regulatory changes is to allow the sport itself to take center stage. “We want to move to a new system that people have confidence in and can comply with,” he said, “and move away from normalizing asterisks against league tables or long-running regulatory cases.”
The Premier League is also dealing with internal divisions over a proposed ‘New Deal’ for funding the English Football League (EFL), amid the looming threat of a new football regulator. Despite these challenges, Masters does not believe the league is more divided than in the past. “We have some issues we have to resolve,” he noted, “but I believe they’re going to do so.”
‘No Plans’ to Play Matches Abroad
Despite other leagues considering playing games in foreign countries, Premier League chief Richard Masters has stated that there are currently no plans for Premier League matches to be held abroad. This comes as Fifa sets up a working group to explore the possibility of domestic competitive matches being played overseas, with La Liga potentially staging games in the United States by the 2025-26 season.
Masters expressed uncertainty about Fifa’s future regulatory changes regarding this matter but confirmed that the Premier League has no intentions of moving games abroad. He also addressed concerns about player fatigue, which has been a growing issue with the international match calendar.
“We want consultation on the future of the international match calendar,” he said, emphasizing the need for domestic football’s interests to be represented in global discussions. The Premier League, along with other top European leagues and players’ unions, has been advocating for more input on these decisions.
Fifa has denied claims of a lack of consultation and responded to these concerns in a letter sent to the Premier League in May. When questioned about clubs’ pre-season tours contributing to player fatigue, Masters noted that it is up to each club to decide how to prepare for the season, whether domestically or internationally.
‘Everyone Wants VAR to Improve’
Changes to the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) system are planned for the 2024-25 Premier League season, including the introduction of semi-automated offsides “at some point.” The Premier League has voted to retain VAR, despite only Wolves advocating for its removal.
Masters acknowledged the need for improvements in the VAR system, particularly regarding the length of delays and the overall supporter experience in stadiums. “We’ve got semi-automated offsides coming in at some point this season when it is ready,” he said, “and we’re doing other things we think will help with supporter experience.”
He also noted that the Premier League’s ability to enhance the technology is limited by global governing bodies’ regulations, but efforts are ongoing to improve the experience for fans.
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