Following Everton’s recent FFP punishment, an unprecedented punishment in the Premier League, many football around the country and in the sporting world in general and wondering what might happen to Manchester City — or, in some cases, why something hasn’t happened already.
The Toffees saw a record 10-point deduction in the top-flight table as a result of breaking UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations following a league-wide audit of the clubs’ records for the 2021/22 season, in which they were found to have breached profit and sustainability rules.
Everton are said to have posted losses of nearly £372 million over a three-year period — a whole £250m more than is permitted within the league guidelines — and while they are obviously appealing the case based on various mitigating factors, it has placed one big elephant back in the room: Man City.
Burnley, Leeds, Leicester and Southampton, who were all relegated in recent seasons, could also be set to sue the Merseyside club for suffering as a result of their infringements, but with the Blues’ mammoth list of charges still looming large, it begs the question why hasn’t their case been dealt with first?
🚨 BREAKING: Everton handed 10-point penalty after independent commission hearing on alleged breach of Premier League profit & sustainability rules. Punishment applies immediately so #EFC drop into relegation zone for now. Expected to appeal @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/1RqDpFYCpJ
Everton’s points deduction likely doesn’t spell good news for City.
While the storm might be circling around Goodison Park at present, with Everton now on just four points and second from bottom as we approach Christmas, the City Football Group (CFG) still has 115 charges said to span nearly a decade to their name and little action has been taken.
Having been flagged for breaches back in February, a month before Everton’s finances were first referred to an independent commission, not to mention Manchester United having been swiftly fined for a minor FFP breach of their own, there does seem to be an issue with parity.
It’s also worth reminding that City were already punished by UEFA back in 2020, being slapped with a €30m fine and a two-year ban from the Champions League, only for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the decision.
The news has also drummed up talk of the failed Super League and how the clubs involved merely got a bit of a telling-off.
Well, the short answer is that Manchester City and the CFG haven’t been found guilty of anything, at least not yet. Whatever punishment they may or may not receive remains unknown as the investigation into their litany of charges is still ongoing and will likely take some time to reach its conclusion.
After all, compared to examining some bookkeeping discrepancies across three years, we’re talking about more than 100 different charges over the course of nine years and, for context, the last investigation (of which they were cleared) took around four years.
With that in mind, when taking into account the equally lengthy appeal processes that will be involved as well, as the club has insisted they are not guilty of the various UEFA breaches they are accused of, you can expect this case to rumble on for a quite while longer.
Moreover, if they are indeed found guilty, the process of going about punishment will prove to be even more complicated as how do you possibly go about deciding on a fair outcome and adequate compensation for other teams affected over such a lengthy period?
Before Everton’s points deduction, co-hosts Lineker and Shearer also had a lengthy discussion about FFP and the implications for City.
Sporting Intelligence journalist and football finance expert, Nick Harris, recently gave a lengthy explanation on The Rest is Football podcast, insisting that “there is just so much work that needed to be done to get to the point of charging them.”
Harris went on to add that “the other reason it has taken so long is because Man City have done what they can to stifle the process.
“In 2021 we were investigating what was happening with this case and, eventually, as a journalist I was able to get access to the high court and be able to report the process was ongoing when neither the Premier League nor Manchester City wanted it to be reported.
“What that told us was that Man City were using every legal tool they could to draw this out as long as possible and even since they were charged in February; they for example have challenged the legitimacy of the Premier League even to act against them which in itself is taking months to even get to the point where a commission will sit down and look at the evidence.”
So, the fact of the matter is that regardless of frustration amongst rival fans, neutrals and Toffees supporters, in particular, it looks like this already long, drawn-out case will very much be a waiting game.
Whether Everton’s points deduction is just a small taster of what’s to come for City remains to be seen but it seems hard to imagine the club possibly walking away with a slap on the wrist like last time.
When the news first began circulating, we broke down what the possible repercussions could be but, if found guilty, what do you think would be a fitting punishment?
Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx to open flagship store in Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx is opening its first brand store in Manchester this week – and its first UK shop outside of London.
In the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store will be packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
Everything is designed with a commitment to perform in even the most demanding of environments – and yes, that includes the brutal rain of the North West of England…
It’s a fitting location for Arc’teryx to open a milestone new store, just 25 miles from the Peak District and the gritstone climbs that helped to shape trad climbing in the UK.
Inside the 567 sq metre shop on New Cathedral Street, there’ll also be a ReBIRD™ Service Centre that will offer free gear repair, care, and washing services, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition season after season.
That’s alongside a dedicated Community Area designed for events, movie nights, and gatherings, plus a local map that highlights the best spots for climbing, hiking and trail running around Manchester.
UK athletes and local ambassadors will be sharing their favourite places to visit, inspiring your next adventure.
Once inspiration strikes, you can pick up a local trail book in the community area, and buy these top-of-the-range bits of kit, choosing from Arc’teryx’s core assortment, including trail and climb gear, with snow gear to follow.
Local artists will be on hand to create inspirational artworks, starting in July with an installation from NOTS.
Sven Radtke, General Manager Arc’teryx EMEA, said: “Manchester is a vibrant urban hub that serves as a launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes makes it a gateway to the outdoors and a haven for hiking, climbing and other activities.
“Our goal is to help our core communities get out, doing what they love, equipped with the most high-performance gear to reach their goals.”
The Canadian brand is already distributing products through more than 2,400 locations worldwide, but this new Manchester opening is a key milestone for adventurers in the UK.
Arc’teryx opens on 6 New Cathedral Street on Thursday 10 July.
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To celebrate the opening, Arc’teryx is running a series of events and experiences:
10 July – Store opens
17 July – Grand Opening Party (RSVP opens on 11 July and will be linked on Instagram @arcteryxuk)
19 July – Grand Opening Day in Store with several activations
Follow @arcteryxuk for more information about the opening celebrations, or visit the events page.
Featured image: Supplied
Sport
Streamer AngryGinge ‘arrested and banned’ from Silvestone at the British GP
Danny Jones
Popular Manc influencer, ‘AngryGinge’, was arrested, fined and ultimately banned from Silverstone at this year’s British GP.
The Salford-born Twitch streamer, YouTuber and social media personality (real name Morgan Burtwhistle) was detained at the circuit after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Ginge recently starred in Soccer Aid 2025 and is a well-known face both on the internet and in the sporting world, regularly working in and around football, and is an avid Manchester United – even featuring in the club’s third kit launch video last year.
The 23-year-old and two other fellow streamers, ‘Chazza’ and ‘Samham’, were accused of criminal damage after sitting in an F1 car whilst recording around the Silverstone complex.
AngryGinge returned to streaming after being detained by police for 15 hours
The streamer and several friends were arrested for climbing into a display F1 car at the British Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/WDSYb6MVtj
“On Friday, July 4, NP received a report that a classic Formula 1 car on display at Silverstone Circuit during the British Grand Prix event had sustained several thousands of pounds worth of damage, which was alleged to have been caused by someone accessing the display stand and climbing into the vehicle.
“Officers carried out initial inquiries, and suspects were identified. Three men, aged 23, 25 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a vehicle and taken into police custody.
“Following a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident, all three men were released with no further action.”
Burtwhistle went into more detail on the incident on socials, explaining that the trio were taken away in handcuffs and “locked up” for several hours – 15 hours, according to SamHam (Samuel Imie).
All three individuals deny causing any damage to the racecar, even despite users sharing clips from the livestream footage captured for the Red Bull online Content on the day that many argue incriminates them, or at least sounds like it – we’ll let you watch and decide for yourselves.
Ginge himself went on to detail that ridculousness of the situation, explaining how he was effectively detained for watching someone else climb into the vehicle.
He’ll be dining out in this one for some time, you can be sure of that.
He’s literally a brands dream isn’t he 😂 so quick and smart with it
Danny Jones -
20th November 2023 
