Lost titles and revenues.. United considers seeking compensation from City
Agencies3 min read
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Manchester United has examined the scale of potential financial losses incurred due to the alleged violations by its neighbor, Manchester City, in preparation for a possible compensation claim, following reports that City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges related to the Premier League's financial rules.
According to "The Athletic," the review includes revenues United may have lost during seasons in which they finished as runners-up to City, or failed to qualify for the Champions League at their expense.
The study includes the 2011-2012 seasons under Alex Ferguson, 2017-2018 with José Mourinho, and 2020-2021 with Ole Gunnar Solskjær, in addition to the 2015-2016 season, when United finished fifth in the league behind fourth-placed City on goal difference, missing out on Champions League qualification for the following season.
The club is assessing the prize money and revenues it could have earned had it achieved a better ranking, and the extent to which these losses are linked to the violations in question. Including these seasons does not confirm United's entitlement to compensation, as any claim remains subject to legal proceedings.
"The Times" previously reported that United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham issued legal notices to City in 2024, reserving their right to claim damages should serious violations be proven against them.
The newspaper indicated that some clubs' claims could exceed £100 million each, which is a potential estimate of losses rather than a set compensation or an amount officially claimed by any club.
Reports indicated that other clubs are considering legal action, with the possibility of coordinating a collective move to claim damages they believe they have suffered.
City's Case
A report by "The Athletic" stated that Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges brought by the Premier League. Penalties have not yet been determined, and the club is expected to appeal the decision.
The Premier League declined to comment on the recent developments, while a City spokesperson said the proceedings are "still ongoing," that important elements remain incomplete and are subject to strict confidentiality, confirming that the club's position has not changed.
In 2023, the league charged City with financial violations dating back to the period between 2009 and 2018, including failure to provide accurate financial information regarding club revenues and payments to players and managers, failure to cooperate with the investigation, and breaches of financial sustainability rules.
City denies the accusations, asserting that its position is based on a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence."
The roots of the case go back to leaked documents published by the German magazine "Der Spiegel" in 2018, which included allegations regarding sponsorship revenues and payments made to former manager Roberto Mancini.
In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year ban from European competition and a fine on City for violating Financial Fair Play rules, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the suspension.
Potential penalties in the current case remain unannounced, but could include fines, points deductions, or other sanctions as determined by the relevant authority.
Since the Abu Dhabi United Group, owned by Sheikh Mansour, acquired City in 2008, the club has won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups, and one Champions League title.
