UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has reaffirmed his belief in UEFA’s decision to ban Manchester City from European competitions for two years in 2020, despite the ban being later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ban came after UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body found City in breach of Financial Fair Play rules, alleging they had falsely inflated sponsorship revenues between 2012 and 2016. Although CAS overturned the ban and reduced the fine, Ceferin stands by UEFA’s original decision.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Ceferin expressed confidence in UEFA’s actions, stating, “We know we were right. We wouldn’t decide if we didn’t think we were right.” He emphasized the importance of respecting the decisions of the court, acknowledging that legal outcomes can be unpredictable even when one is confident in their case.
Despite the CAS ruling in favor of Manchester City, Ceferin maintains that UEFA’s decision to sanction the club was justified. City had contested the ruling, and in July 2020, CAS not only overturned the two-year ban but also reduced the €30 million fine to €10 million. The club considered the ruling a validation of their position and the evidence presented.
The scrutiny on Manchester City’s financial dealings, however, persisted. In February 2023, the Premier League charged City with 115 breaches of financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, referring the club to an independent commission. The outcome of these charges is yet to be determined.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Ceferin refrained from commenting on the specifics of City’s case, acknowledging the fans’ desire for clarity. He expressed an understanding of the frustration surrounding the delay in judgment but avoided criticizing the Premier League’s handling of the matter.
City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has urged patience regarding the charges, emphasizing the differences between City’s case and Everton’s, which resulted in a 10-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. Ceferin echoed Guardiola’s sentiment, acknowledging the fans’ desire for transparency while refraining from criticism.
As Manchester City navigates the complexities of financial investigations, the football world watches closely to see how these developments will impact the club’s future in European competitions and its standing in the football community. The ongoing saga highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding financial fair play regulations and the regulatory processes in place to enforce them.
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By- Sahiba Suri