The Premier League faces an “awkward” situation in which Manchester City could win the title and at the same time be found guilty of as many as 115 offences. Josep Guardiola’s side have been performing in doubt for more than a year as legal proceedings continue. They are on course to win the title again, and a win against Arsenal would make it their fifth in six years.
Citi has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains its innocence, but is still awaiting the outcome of the court. A verdict delivered at the very moment the trophy is to be lifted would be a worrying image for the Premier League and its authorities.
An article in The Lawyer said City’s involvement in the title race would be a “nightmare” for the league given the circumstances.
they write: “English football now faces the very real and troubling possibility that the club could be crowned champions despite being found guilty in court of years of gross breaches of regulations. It is even possible, incredibly unlikely given the amount of time left in the season, that City could win the league but receive points deductions and hand the title to Arsenal.”
“City are now a nightmare for the Premier League as they compete for the title. Like most arbitrations, the process is confidential. That secrecy and the 16-month waiting period has led to rumors swirling and many wondering what is going on behind closed doors.”
Guardiola himself has publicly defended the club in a press conference, despite the accusations relating to a period spanning from 2009 to 2018. He was in charge for only two of those years, but previously said he would resign if the club’s assurances of innocence were proven to be false.
Lawyers have suggested that the length of the process is likely due to judges juggling other cases and verdicts still being deliberated by parties.
A further explanation for the delay may simply be that the three judges involved were unable to reach a unanimous decision. The publication notes that judges typically prefer to avoid split decisions, and if a disagreement arises, the trio will likely try to reach an agreement, although it will inevitably take time.
Although unlikely, it is also possible that the parties will enter into settlement talks. For this to happen, City itself may have to admit some degree of wrongdoing, but that would represent a dramatic reversal of positions.
