The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) has confirmed the Manchester City have begun the appeal process of their 2 years ban from UEFA competition and €30 million Fine. They argue that the evidence against them that was subsequently published in the German magazine Der Spiegel, was taken out of context from “Stolen” or “Hacked” emails. They don’t dispute the authenticity of the documents obtained but say they were illegally obtained. Manchester City is accused of overstating its sponsorship revenue to UEFA. Mostly in relation to Etihad Airways the state-owned airline from Abu Dhabi.
Manchester City is of course owned by Sheikh Mansour a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. Who wouldn’t have seen anything shady with this sponsorship? But the gist of the situation is that Man City reported their sponsorship revenue with Etihad at 67.5 million pounds. They are then accused of funneling 59.9 million pounds back to Etihad. Making their total sponsorship worth less than 10 million pounds. Quite the deal for Etihad.
The whole thing is sketchy. Manchester City has whole conflict of interest seemingly with their sponsor to begin with. The news being broke in Germany, sounds like some jealous Bayern fan. But overall this is Manchester City’s second Ban/Fine since the start of Financial Fair Play less than a decade ago. The previous ban was uplifted after their appeal but the fine increased. But fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, right? I don’t see this ban being fully uplifted. Sheikh Mansour has shown what money can do to a club. Redbull is now copying the idea with their clubs. But this owner who has seen results from his spending surely has his eyes set on saving every dollar for his player and staff. Why Not I guess?
It sadly leaves big question mark on the club. Can the owner be trusted, or will this behavior continue? Who much revenue will they lose from not participating in UEFA club competitions? I know some players are gone regardless like Sane, but with the lack of revenue from the added UEFA games, can they maintain such a deep bench? I know Pep said he is staying and some other players but what happens if they manage to with champions league this year? That will be so disappointing for the returning players. Everyone will be wanting higher salaries, but the revenue stream will be decreasing.
For now, we will wait until UEFA responds to the appeal as now a panel of CAS arbitrators is being convened. They will hold a hearing with the parties, they will deliberate behind closed doors and then issue it decision.
Until then Man City is playing today against Real Madrid. I love both these two bald coaches. Being bald is so in right now. Ask Mourinho and Neymar.
Author: Michael Kemp, Charlotte NC. Project Manager by Trade, Everything Soccer at Heart. Until our Club is setup in Charlotte, Inter Milan is my club of choice since watching them win the treble in 2010 (mostly through internet replays). I really will watch any soccer that gets in front of my face, but I can be mostly found seeking out Serie A and Barclays or sneaking in Champions/Europa league games in my office on the weekdays. #Nerrazurri @Mikeyrokk