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ENGLISH Premier Soccer League chief Richard Masters has told Manchester City the legal case against them must be resolved NOW for the good of the league.
An independent disciplinary commission will begin ruling on the 115 financial charges facing Pep Guardiola’s City next month, with the verdict expected early next year.
Masters said: “It’s been going on for a number of years and it is time now for the case to resolve itself.”
City, who start their bid for a FIFTH straight Prem title at Chelsea on Sunday, have been charged with allegedly breaching the League’s financial rules, with some dating back to 2009.
The champions deny all the charges. But asked if this case is a big issue for the League, Masters replied: “It does matter. It creates uncertainty and frustration.
“But there is no alternative to enforcing the rules, which everyone agreed.
“They have looked each other in the eye and shaken each other’s hand and said, ‘We will abide by these rules’. So the Premier League has to enforce them.
“Whatever difficulty or frustration that creates is part of protecting the Premier League’s competition, its core values.”
If found guilty, City face a points deduction, fines and even expulsion from the Prem.
There are also cases outstanding involving Leicester and Everton, while Chelsea are being investigated over possible rule breaches under ex-owner Roman Abramovich. Everton were docked eight points and Nottingham Forest four last term for breaching PSR rules. (www.thesun.co.uk)
Online Reporter