Controversy seems to be following Manchester City around at every turn right now, making their recent treble win seem like old news.
Since breaking their Premier League hoodoo in 2012, City have gone on to become the most successful team in England’s top flight over the last decade.
The current English and European champions have gone from strength to strength under Pep Guardiola, playing some of the best football ever seen in an English league.
Unfortunately, the club has always been plagued by underlying issues that refuse to go away.
As a starting point, The Times (subscription required) reports that 115 separate charges have been brought against the club for various apparent misdemeanours.
At the moment, the club and its employees have chosen not to speak about them, with the exception of Guardiola’s declaration that he would leave the club immediately if he felt lied to.
?? “If you’re lying to me, I won’t be here the next day.” I’m leaving, and you’re no longer my friend.”
Pep Guardiola stated in May 2022 that he would leave the club if they were found to have violated FFP. pic.twitter.com/C1PqdYgcAG
February 6, 2023 — Football Daily (@footballdaily)
But now, another problem has reared its ugly head above the parapet.
According to The Times (subscription required), a leaked report revealed that an unnamed person or persons from the United Arab Emirates paid the club £30 million, which UEFA believes should have come from a main sponsor, Etisalat.
The funds, however, appear to be disguised equity funding provided by City’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), led by Sheikh Mansour.
It’s yet another murky situation for the club, and the sooner the truth is revealed, the better for everyone involved.
