Arsene Wenger has urged the Premier League to change its Financial Fair Play rules as he shared his opinion on Manchester City's 115 charges.
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Wenger wants PL's FFP rules amendedFormer Arsenal boss wants rules simplifiedDoesn't "believe" in City's 115 chargesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Wenger, who led Arsenal through a period of financial prudence during his tenure, is convinced that the Premier League's FFP rules require significant reform. He believes that the current rules put English football at a disadvantage compared to other European leagues, which have already adjusted their own FFP policies.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT WENGER SAID
Speaking on beIN Sports, the legendary French coach said: "I feel the rules of Financial Fair Play today have to be changed in the Premier League. Because they now face competition from other leagues, who have changed their Financial Fair Play rules."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wenger's comments come in light of Manchester City's ongoing legal battles over allegations of financial misconduct, involving 115 separate charges of breaching financial regulations. The situation has cast a shadow over City's recent success, with the club embroiled in an extensive investigation by the Premier League.
Recently, City won a significant legal battle when a panel of senior judges, including a former Master of the Rolls, ruled in favour of the club. The ruling stated that the Premier League’s "Associated Party Transactions" regulations unfairly prevented Manchester City from completing two major sponsorship deals. While the Premier League claimed some success in the case, the outcome has led to further scrutiny of the FFP rules and their application.
Despite the severity of the charges, Wenger believes: "At the moment you cannot hear a club like Man City being charged by 115 different charges in a football season. I don't believe in that. The Premier League already lost a case, the first case against them. I don't know them [City], I can't judge them.
"I just think, 115 different charges against a football club today looks like we are in an international administration. Financial Fair Play rules have to be changed and made more simple. They [City owners] came in and they had not faced any Financial Fair Play nor have Chelsea. Chelsea, they bought my players [from Arsenal] and Chelsea also bought what they wanted because there were no Financial Fair Play rules."
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
The ongoing case against City could potentially reach a conclusion by the end of the year, though any decision may be drawn out further if the club decides to appeal. In case of an appeal, the matter could extend well into 2025, leaving the future of the Premier League club hanging in the balance.