Premier League clubs plot 'legal action' against Man City as Man Utd make decision

Manchester City could be forced to answer to their Premier League rivals, who are said to be planning to take legal action in the wake of their guilty verdict over breaching 114 financial regulations. The outcome of City's case against the Premier League over alleged rule breaches was discovered on Friday - three-and-a-half years on from first being charged.

Between 2009 and 2018, City had been accused of breaking up to 125 rules with a number of Premier League sides missing out on silverware due to their dominance. Eight Premier League titles have been won since their first in the 2011/12 campaign with domestic cup triumphs and a Champions League win also secured.

But those trophies could now be looked at very differently and their domestic rivals planning to take legal action. That is according to The Athletic who are reporting that all those impacted joining forces to launch a class action against City is certainly a possible scenario.

United, in particular, are worse off due to City's wins and have already been looking at their options and assessing the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own fortunes and finances, according to a second report by The Athletic. It has been suggested that United have been specifically looking into the seasons in which they were most severely affected.

An appeal from City is expected first, however, with any action from rival clubs anticipated to follow that process. United were the team that lost out to City for their first ever Premier League title courtesy of Sergio Aguero's iconic last-gasp goal.

Their extraordinary 100-point campaign, in which United secured second place, also fell within the nine-year timeframe during which City stand accused of financial rule violations.

A similar scenario unfolded during the behind-closed-doors season following the Covid-19 outbreak, although this occurred after 2018, which represents the final year covered by the investigation period.

Being denied those honours would almost certainly have resulted in financial ramifications for the club across areas including prize money and Club World Cup eligibility. City remain the only party involved to release a public statement on the matter, with the Premier League refusing to comment while the case continues owing to City's appeal.

Via a spokesperson, City stated: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.

"As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."