Time’s up for these clubs
In the last two decades, the rise of both Manchester City and Chelsea within the English football pyramid has raised serious questions. The growth of their market capitalisation has been dramatic, but the vast sums spent on players reflect how clubs have been misled by non-footballing figures.
Billionaire ownership and incompetent CEOs have disrupted the traditional structure of Premier League clubs. Among those, Chelsea and Manchester City stand out as having been mismanaged in terms of both finances and human resources. While their physical infrastructures have been maintained, their financial conduct has drawn increasing scrutiny from analysts and supporters alike.
The inception of the Premier League in 1992 allowed former Division One clubs to expand their global reach and secure capital from multiple investors.
The introduction of sponsorships enabled clubs to increase their assets and improve infrastructure.
Broadcasting rights sold to international markets extended their influence further and gave the Premier League an economic mandate that stretched beyond football, becoming central to commercial decision-making. These media rights effectively granted the Premier League monopoly powers, where matches were often made available abroad at a lower cost than in the domestic market via services like Sky Sports.
This shift marked the start of what many view as a corruptive culture; one that individual clubs have since emulated.
Roman Abramovich’s purchase of Chelsea in the early 2000s marked a clear turning point. The lack of due diligence during the transaction highlighted flaws in Premier League regulatory oversight. Abramovich swiftly built a footballing powerhouse, signing elite players and managers, with little scrutiny over the origin of his wealth.
It wasn’t until November 2023, two decades later, that financial breaches under his ownership were officially acknowledged, yet by then, the damage had already been done. Chelsea was then sold to an American consortium led by Todd Boehly. Since that acquisition, the club has spent over £300 million on players, and yet again, the Premier League has taken no significant disciplinary action. For many, this feels like history repeating itself.
In contrast, clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest have been sanctioned for financial fair play (FFP) breaches, with points deductions and fines imposed. However, rather than reinforcing trust, such measures are viewed by some as strategic optics—designed to create the illusion of accountability while avoiding action against the biggest offenders.
Manchester City’s case is the most egregious. Long overshadowed by rivals Manchester United, City’s meteoric rise to global dominance has unsettled traditional powerhouses. The acquisition of the club by a Saudi-backed consortium occurred at a time when FFP rules were either absent or loosely enforced.
Since then, Manchester City has operated with relative impunity. The 115 charges currently levelled against the club are not only justified—they are essential to preserving the integrity of the sport. These allegations suggest market manipulation and systemic rule-breaking designed to stockpile trophies and distort competition.
If Manchester City escapes with only fines, it will send a message that financial misconduct is tolerable, as long as the success it brings is profitable. True accountability would involve relegation, not merely from the Premier League but to the third tier of English football.
Their financial resources should be redistributed to the grassroots level to restore balance and nurture the next generation of talent. On the pitch, the weight of the investigation is already visible. Pep Guardiola and his squad appear distracted, perhaps bracing for the inevitable.
Chelsea, under Abramovich, escaped significant consequences, and that precedent has weakened confidence in English football governance. Should Manchester City avoid meaningful punishment, it will tarnish the global reputation of the game. No club should be allowed to operate above the rules set to protect football’s spirit and fairness. If action is not taken, other wealthy clubs such as Newcastle United may be tempted to exploit similar loopholes in pursuit of glory.
Manchester City must serve as a cautionary tale. Only through strong and transparent enforcement of financial regulations can football remain a meritocratic and dignified sport.
