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Several Premier League clubs are reportedly calling for a fresh investigation into Manchester City. In September, the league announced that City were found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges brought against them. City have appealed the ruling and insist that they have evidence that will clear them of the allegations. The initial probe centred on Premier League financial rule violations between 2009 and 2018, with additional accusations of failing to assist with the investigation.
Yet it has now emerged that certain Premier League clubs are urging the division to examine City's accounts from 2018 onwards to establish whether any further regulations have been breached. However, there is also hesitation from some chief executives within the Premier League, with clubs appearing divided.
According to The Independent, some officials suggest launching a second probe into the past eight seasons would place the sport in an uncomfortable "dilemma". One of the crucial elements of the independent commission's judgment was the way City utilised "sham" sponsorship arrangements concealed as owner funding.
With these considerations in mind, many executives are reportedly questioning whether they had stopped this practice in 2018, with one source apparently asking, "What changed overnight?"
The Independent Commission also determined City and its Abu Dhabi-based sponsors were "related parties" and, assuming the relationships remained unchanged, many believe this could form the basis for additional charges in subsequent seasons.
Nevertheless, given the current saga remains unresolved, nearly three years after the Premier League published its allegations against City, some also believe that launching another lengthy investigation may prove detrimental to the game. There are already some gripes about the current situation due to the uncertainty surrounding City.
Sanctions have yet to be imposed upon the club, and there is also apprehension that they will challenge any penalty issued against them, which may push the saga into the distant future once more.
Many believe it would be preferable for the Premier League to draw a line under the charges once and for all. From the 2017-18 season onwards, Pep Guardiola presided over one of the most formidable sides in Premier League history.
He won all six of his Premier League titles during the very eight-year period certain executives called to investigate. While some advocate initiating a second probe, others want to proceed cautiously and allow the first to reach its conclusion.
Some clubs have also reportedly claimed that the prospect of a second investigation could serve as an effective bargaining tool should City continue to prolong the case.
Given that the evidence from the initial inquiry stemmed from a series of Football Leaks, initially revealed by Der Spiegel in 2018 (encompassing the timeframe between 2009 and 2018), some believe the comparable standard of proof that triggered the first investigation might not exist for another.
A verdict on City's sanctions and appeal proceedings, meanwhile, is expected in the New Year, with possible penalties ranging from a points deduction to a substantial fine and Premier League expulsion.
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