ok folks - time to start dampening our expectations .... Finally, after years of build-up, perhaps English football's biggest and most controversial contest is set to begin. On one side, the Premier League. On the other, its defending champions and dominant force Manchester City. City face 115 charges for allegedly breaking the financial rules of the competition they have won for a record-breaking four consecutive seasons. Those charges will be heard at an independent hearing, which is set to start on Monday at an unknown location, subject to any late legal delays. Billed as sport's 'trial of the century', it is expected to run for 10 weeks, with a verdict expected in early 2025. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c74j4z10w97o
I expect delays, I expect excuses, and I expect a minor “slap on the wrist” as punishment I’ll be genuinely surprised at anything more…after all, Citeh will have “their best lawyers” ($) representing them
Considering what they did to Everton et al last season I can't see how they won't give them some sort of points deduction. Probably should be enough to relegate them, but I would be surprised if it was that severe. Pep not committed beyond this year, their relative lack of movement and profit in the transfer market suggests they are prepared for something. At this point, its probably in City's best interest to play along and take the hit, so they can put it behind them and move on. They've established themselves among the elite, and as long as they have Haaland/Rodri/Foden/CBs, you'd expect they'll bounce back fairly quickly.
It will be at most a fine. I don’t see any way the Premier League have the competency or spine to do any more than that. They’ll call it a ‘donation to grassroots football’
What a shame City can’t buy off enough courts to allow them to claim that they were just performing official acts.
Crisis averted!!!! United up 2-0 at Southampton the half. No matter what happens now, no one can ever take away that they won the first half.
Soton dominated 30 mins and the missed a penalty that took 50 seconds plus to take after it was placed on the spot (terrible penalty effort mind you). and then 2 goals from two poor players - de ligt and rashford.
on this disappointing day, let us all join hands and give thanks to the gods of football - for Everton.
An EXTRAORDINARY miss!#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/LdWCE0JjN1— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) September 14, 2024 I dealt with a similar miss coaching my daughter's team today but they're 4-5 year olds.
It’s the little petty things that make you, ummm, more petty and often happier. It’s a tale of 2 kick offs. 8PM San Siro Champions League AC Milan vs. Liverpool 8PM Old Trafford Carabao League Cup 3rd Round Manchester United vs. Barnsley Happy to be petty.