This is not the first time Laliga president is accusing Man City.
Image credit: CBS Sports Golazo
Manchester City is once again under the microscope as LaLiga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that the Spanish league has filed a legal complaint with the EU Commission, alleging that the Premier League champions have breached EU Competition Law.
The complaint, which was officially submitted in 2023, is tied to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, a framework that allows the European Union to investigate potential financial advantages provided by foreign governments to businesses operating within the EU.
What is LaLiga Accusing Manchester City Of?
LaLiga argues that Manchester City benefits from financial backing from the United Arab Emirates, which allows them to inflate sponsorship deals, sign world-class players, and gain an unfair competitive edge.
According to Tebas, this financial model distorts the football market and prevents other European clubs from competing on a level playing field.
“All they do is think About how to avoid the rules,” Tebas stated. “We have provided evidence to the European Commission, as it’s crucial that all football clubs adhere to transparency and governance standards.”
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which came into effect on July 12, 2023, gives the EU the power to examine and take action against foreign financial support that could distort competition within its markets.
LaLiga’s complaint suggests that City’s commercial activities in Europe should be scrutinized, even though they are a non-EU club.
Manchester City’s Response: Silence and Rejection
Manchester City has not officially commented on Tebas’ claims, but sources close to the club have firmly rejected the allegations.
They maintain that their financial accounts are fully transparent and publicly available, making any claims of wrongdoing baseless.
Manager Pep Guardiola was confronted about the issue during a press conference ahead of City’s FA Cup fixture.
When asked for his thoughts on the allegations, Guardiola repeatedly dismissed the topic, simply responding, “Next.”
City insiders believe that Tebas has a history of targeting the club, pointing to his previous legal actions against them.
In 2022, LaLiga also filed a complaint with UEFA, accusing City and Paris Saint-Germain of violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations through what Tebas called “state-backed funding.”
Ongoing Premier League Investigation: Could City Face a Points Deduction?
While the EU Commission has yet to make a ruling on LaLiga’s complaint, Manchester City is already facing another legal battle in England.
The club remains under investigation for 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, spanning nearly a decade.
If found guilty, City could face significant punishments, including:
- A massive points deduction
- Heavy financial penalties
- Potential relegation from the Premier League
Tebas insists that his actions are not about targeting a specific club but about preserving fair competition in European football.
“It’s not just about City. It’s about making sure all clubs follow the same rules,” he said. “Financial transparency is essential to maintaining football’s integrity.”
What Happens Next?
The EU Commission has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and is currently assessing the case.
If they find merit in LaLiga’s claims, an official investigation could follow, potentially leading to sanctions or regulatory changes that impact how clubs can receive foreign investment.
As for Manchester City, the club will have to wait for the outcome of both the EU complaint and the Premier League’s 115-charge case.
With trophies and reputation at stake, City’s dominance on the pitch may soon be tested by legal battles off it.