Gary Neville has expressed his frustration over the ongoing Manchester City saga involving 115 charges, describing the lack of resolution as a “disgrace” to the sport. The charges, which cover events from 2009 to 2018, were made public in February 2023. Despite Manchester City’s firm denial of any wrongdoing, the proceedings that began in September last year concluded in December without a verdict. Manager Pep Guardiola had suggested a resolution might come by March, but as the 2024/25 season ends, clarity remains elusive.
Gary Neville said: “That Manchester City case is a disgrace; it’s an absolute stain to the game. I have a lot of admiration for City, but I don’t buy into this theory that clubs do really well, and City have, but it is still a stain to the game. It has just been dragging on for years and years, it’s an absolute joke. Yes, City have been defending themselves, but they’ve been pushing it so far into the long grass that you end up losing the will to live on it and you forget about it. It just needs to be dealt with.”
David Ornstein said: “Zero.”
Kieran Maguire said: “I think we will see some sort of transitional rule with the APTs. We have already seen Brighton’s loans from Tony Bloom have been converted into something that is between shares and debt. There will be discussions taking place between clubs, lawyers and accountants as to how existing loans can be reclassified as equity. Therefore, that will assist things going forward. I think, based on historical evidence, that City have got the upper hand over the Premier League.”
The lack of a decision on the charges has sparked widespread debate and criticism. During The Overlap Fan Debate, sponsored by Sky Bet, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Jamie Carragher, along with football finance expert Kieran Maguire, discussed the implications of the unresolved case. Maguire suggested that Manchester City might have an advantage over the Premier League, citing historical precedents.
The ongoing uncertainty has raised concerns about the transparency and governance within the Premier League. As the saga continues, the football community is left in anticipation of a resolution that has been long overdue. The case not only affects Manchester City’s reputation but also casts a shadow over the integrity of the league.
