Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the Government's Culture, Media and Sport Committee, has raised concerns over what she perceives as a 'two-tier system' within the Premier League. The senior Conservative MP suggests that Manchester City is benefitting from this system due to delays in hearing their alleged 115 breaches of financial rules.
Dinenage argues that this delay creates an unfair balance between clubs. She points out that other clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest have already been penalized for their single charges of Profit and Sustainability Rules during this season. This disparity raises questions about fairness and equality within the league. The issue was further complicated by comments made by Premier League CEO Richard Masters to the committee regarding 'big clubs and small clubs'. Masters was asked whether smaller clubs should bear the same legal costs as wealthier ones.
Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the Government's Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said:
“It does sometimes feel like there's some kind of two-tier system here, when the boss of the Premier League came and gave evidence to the select committee, he spoke about ‘big clubs’ and ‘small clubs’.
“The whole committee found that a little bit puzzling, because actually there shouldn't be a different standard of behaviour depending on the size of the club.”
Dinenage expressed her confusion over these comments to The House, suggesting they indicated a two-tier system favoring wealthier teams like Manchester City.
Premier League’s double standard
Discussing Manchester City's charges specifically, Caroline Dinenage drew attention to cases against Everton and Forest which resulted in points deductions for both over the course of just-ended season.
Caroline Dinenage added:
“It's taking too long, and it feels unfair to teams like Everton for whom the decisions have been already made and the penalties have already been handed out, teams like Everton, they've taken points deduction, they've taken punishment, and meanwhile Man City, who've got a whole rack of allegations against them, are tied up in legal red tape. That could go on for years.”
Masters had previously addressed these differences, arguing that both Forest case and Everton case were simpler since they faced single charges which could be dealt with quickly. In contrast, he explained that Manchester City's 115 complex charges would naturally require more time for preparation.
Despite this explanation from Masters, Dinenage remains concerned about potential bias within the league towards wealthier teams who can afford longer legal battles.
Trial date set but not disclosed
Masters confirmed a trial date has been set for hearing Man City's case but did not disclose when it would be. Reports suggest the trial will take place in Autumn of this year, with a verdict potentially expected next summer.
The controversy surrounding Manchester City's 115 charges and the perceived 'two-tier system' within the Premier League has sparked debate about fairness in football. As fans and clubs alike await the trial, questions remain about whether wealthier teams are given an unfair advantage in legal matters. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future financial rule breaches within the league.
