**Liverpool and Premier League Rivals Take Legal Action Over Manchester City’s Alleged Financial Breaches**
In a rare show of solidarity, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham—four of the Premier League’s “big six” clubs—have initiated legal steps to safeguard their interests as they await the outcome of Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.
**The Allegations Against Manchester City**
Manchester City is facing 115 charges for allegedly violating Premier League financial regulations over a 10-year period. These charges, which include claims of financial misconduct, have been consistently denied by the club. The case is currently under review by an independent commission, with a ruling expected in early 2024.
**Liverpool and Rivals Prepare for Possible Compensation Claims**
As reported by The Times’ Martyn Ziegler, Liverpool and their Premier League counterparts have filed legal notices to reserve the right to seek compensation if Manchester City is found guilty. This proactive step ensures these clubs can claim damages for any financial losses potentially incurred due to City’s alleged violations.
The legal notices were filed to address concerns over the statute of limitations, particularly the six-year period during which claims could be made. The issue became prominent after the release of the Football Leaks documents in November 2018, which first exposed City’s alleged financial irregularities.
**Liverpool’s Cautious Legal Move**
According to the *Liverpool Echo*’s Dave Powell, Liverpool’s legal team recommended taking this precautionary step to safeguard the club’s position in case of a guilty verdict. This move ensures that Liverpool won’t be barred from seeking compensation, especially if it is proven that City’s actions gave them an unfair competitive advantage.
Liverpool’s decision is particularly significant given their close competition with Manchester City. The two clubs were separated by just one point in the Premier League in both the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. If City’s alleged breaches are proven, Liverpool could argue they lost out on league titles, prize money, and other financial rewards linked to their domestic and European success.
**Previous Legal Challenges for Manchester City**
This is not the first time Manchester City has faced financial scrutiny. Four years ago, the club successfully overturned a two-year UEFA ban from European competitions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that most of the alleged violations were beyond the statute of limitations. However, the Premier League case operates under different rules and a separate legal framework.
**Potential Impact on the Premier League**
If Manchester City is found guilty, the consequences for English football could be far-reaching. Other clubs might also seek compensation for lost revenue or missed opportunities, such as failure to qualify for European competitions or loss of league titles. For Liverpool, this case presents a potential avenue to recover losses from years of narrowly missing out on trophies to a possibly non-compliant rival.
**Conclusion**
Liverpool’s decision to act now is a smart and precautionary move, ensuring the club is positioned to seek compensation if Manchester City is found guilty. As one of the most directly impacted clubs, Liverpool’s actions underscore the importance of fair play and accountability in football.
The ruling from the independent commission will be highly anticipated, with significant consequences for Manchester City, their competitors, and the broader Premier League.
