The President of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, has affirmed the organization’s position on Manchester City’s breach of Financial Fair Play rules, stating, “We know we were right.”
In February 2020, UEFA imposed a two-season ban on City from the Champions League and fined them €30 million (£25 million) for serious FFP violations, including providing misleading information.
Despite the subsequent overturning of the ban and reduction of the fine to €10 million by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July 2020, Ceferin remains confident in UEFA’s initial decision.
Regarding the ongoing Premier League case against City, he stated, “I don’t want to speak about the case in England. But I trust that the decision of our independent body was correct. I didn’t enter into this decision.”
In addressing concerns over the time taken to resolve City’s case compared to recent charges against Everton and Nottingham Forest, Ceferin expressed understanding of fans’ frustrations, saying, “They want to know what’s going on and what are the consequences.” However, he refrained from criticizing the Premier League’s process, emphasizing the importance of a fair and thorough investigation.
Reflecting on his experience as a trial lawyer, Ceferin acknowledged the unpredictability of legal outcomes, noting, “As a trial lawyer for 25 years, I know that, sometimes, you win a case that you are sure you will lose. And, sometimes, you lose a case when you’re sure.” Despite this, he emphasized the need to respect the decisions of the court.
In the Premier League case, City faces allegations of providing inaccurate financial information and not fully disclosing financial remuneration to a manager over a four-year period.
They are also accused of non-compliance with UEFA’s FFP rules over a five-year period and of not fully cooperating with the Premier League’s investigation.
