Reaction to Man City charges
Monday’s bombshell news saw the Premier League issue a statement in the morning, detailing more than 100 alleged breaches after a four-year investigation into Manchester City’s finances. City have been referred to an independent commission over the charges, with the reigning league champions admitting they are “surprised” by the developments, adding: “The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
Unsurprisingly, several back pages across the British press focused heavily on this story, with the Daily Mail and Telegraph leading on the prospect of City’s expulsion from the Premier League – which is just one possible sanction if City are found guilty.
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“Manchester City executives were left stunned as Premier League legal papers were served at 10.15am today announcing charges over alleged financial rule breaches which could lead to a points deduction or expulsion from the top flight,” the Daily Mail wrote.
“Should Man City be found guilty, they face a range of potential sanctions including a points deduction or even an expulsion – though it could take years to come to a conclusion.”
Meanwhile, the Mirror also speculates what could happen if City are found guilty, although the paper also stresses that the case could take some time to conclude.
The Mirror writes: “Then there is the question of what would happen to the Premier League titles City won during the period they are alleged to have broken financial rules. The whole of the league will be watching with interest to see how the matter plays out, but two clubs will be particularly interested.
“City claimed the trophy in three of the seasons being investigated – 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18. In those seasons, the runners up were Manchester United on two occasions and Liverpool in one campaign.”
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Leeds want Baggies boss
Staying with the Mirror, who claim Leeds United will move for West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan after sacking Jesse Marsch on Monday. Corberan worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, and has steered West Brom from the bottom of the Championship to promotion hopefuls, having only taken over in October.
“He has won 11 of his 16 games in charge but Albion have major funding problems and Corberan could be tempted to quit for Leeds where he knows Andrea Radrizzani,” the Mirror writes.
Corberan is said to welcome the idea, although another name is being linked too. “Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola is another name high on the list of candidates to succeed Marsch and admired particularly by Orta,” the Daily Mail writes.
“The 40-year old former Spain right-back speaks English following a stint at New York City as a player and has lifted Vallecano to seventh in La Liga following promotion – bringing the best out of some of their young players. He has also led the club to the last four of the Spanish cup.”
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