'Man City's 130 charges fudged after Kier Starmer and UK government involvement'

04/01/2025 12:33 PM

Sir Kier Starmer and the British government will likely have been “deeply involved” in the outcome of the Premier League’s charges against Man City, Richard Keys has claimed.

City are awaiting a verdict having received 115 charges against them two years ago, with the Premier League champions accused of breaking financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period.

An independent commission hearing into the case began in September 2024 and ended in December, with the panel now considering its verdict against the club.

Potential punishments have been theorised, with some believing City will be forced to pay a financial penalty, whilst others think the club could potentially be stripped of their titles won in that period and City could potentially face a severe points deduction.

However, Keys voiced his belief in his blog that the Sky Blues may be let off lightly, or with no punishment at all, thanks to the influence of City’s owners, on the basis that Boris Johnson’s government had taken a major interest in the Saudi takeover at Newcastle.

Richard Keys believes all signs point toward Man City facing no punishment

The former Sky Sports presenter gave his verdict on the punishment, or lack thereof, City are likely to face, whilst also highlighting why the British government may become involved in the Sky Blues’ case.

Keys pointed to those at his former employers Sky Sports as a major clue to what the verdict will be, saying: “I'm hearing we're not far off from learning the outcome to the 130 charges City have faced. The smart money has got to be on a fudge. Why do I say that? Well – a number of reasons really.

“A big clue is Sky telling their pundits to go easy with their thoughts about the judgement. If City were going to get nailed I'm sure they'd be allowed to say what they like but I reckon their anger is going to have to be tempered.

“Just as the British government got deeply involved in the decision to allow the Saudi's to take over at Newcastle, it's a certainty they'll have had something to do with the outcome in this case.

“Boris Johnson didn't want to …. MBS [Mohammed bin Salman, de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia] off – and [Kier] Starmer can't afford to fall out with the Emeratis. I might be wrong, but I don't think so.”

Man City spending continues despite Premier League charges

Football Insider Verdict

Former Man United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown exclusively revealed to Football Insider, City are planning on a summer overhaul of their midfield.

Mateo Kovacic could be heading for an Etihad exit, whilst out-of-contract Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to depart.

Question marks also remain on the future of Bernardo Silva, whose production levels have dipped dramatically this season.

Pep Guardiola looked to make changes in January, with the club signing Nico Gonzalez from Porto following Rodri’s ACL tear, but more moves are expected in the summer.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to City, but the Eagles are unlikely to want to part with the England international this summer, with Marc Guehi already expected to depart Selhurst Park.

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