‘PR disaster’ - Verdict given on 115 Man City FFP charges ahead of start date

Manchester City are on the verge of lifting a record fourth straight Premier League title, with a win over West Ham on Sunday also denoting six crowns in seven years.

Pep Guardiola himself will go down as one of the greatest Premier League managers of all time, whatever the outcome of the league’s financial dispute. However, the success of the club itself will be tainted should it indeed be found guilty of the 115 allegations against their name, charges the Blues deny in full.

The hearing for the legislation battle against the Premier League is due to start this year, although the date has not been publicly disclosed. In the months leading up to this weekend’s title showdown, pundits have cast their verdict on the situation and what impact it is having on City’s reputation.

READ MORE: Guardiola responds to new question on Man City's 115 charges

READ MORE: Man City 115 FFP charges reality

‘Man City reaction is baffling’

Jamie Carragher - in The Telegraph

“I would love to know how City’s owners, or those advising them, feel about the issue dragging on while the team prepares to win its fourth consecutive Premier League on the back of last year’s Treble. They must appreciate it is a public relations disaster.

“That is what baffles me about the whole sordid affair. When accusations are made against any individuals or institutions who have absolute certainty in their innocence, you would usually expect the demand of those involved to arrange a hearing at the earliest opportunity.

“Where is the statement from City expressing frustration or fury that the process is taking so long? Kicking the can down the road means too many insults are being directed at a brilliant manager and his extraordinary team – none of whom will have a clue about how the club was operating in those years under suspicion.

“Guardiola deserves better than lifting his sixth Premier League under such a cloud. As a manager, a coaching and technical staff and a fantastic squad, Manchester City should be acclaimed for being one of the best football teams there has ever been.

“As a club? I’d like to say the jury is out. Unfortunately, we have waited too long for a jury, or Premier League commission, to even begin to consider that verdict.”

‘It’s the elephant in the room’

Ian Wright - on Sky Sports

"You look at the trophy haul and you have to say that Pep's done very well. But then you look at what Klopp's done to try to catch Manchester City, the way he's built that team, how long it's taken them to get there.

"You have to say, it might be easier for Pep in what he's done, but Klopp's still got to get a lot of love. It's there for everyone to see in respect of trophies but we can't speak about City without speaking about the fact there's 115 charges around them.

"The one thing I would like more than anything else is for that to be gone so you can give the team and the manager the love they deserve. You speak about them and it's like there's an elephant in the room.

"You want to speak about them, with this rivalry, without saying 'yeah....', it's not fair on the players, it's not fair on the club. The sooner that's gone, the better for them, but you can't look at the amount of trophies and say that Guardiola's not done better."

‘Man City greatness judged by FFP case’

Paul Merson - in Sportskeeda

“I’ve always wondered if this Manchester City side are the greatest in Premier League history. You have to see what the charges bring before delivering a verdict on this, but they are quite simply a phenomenal team.”

‘Man City should want quick process’

Gary Neville - on The Overlap

"[FFP] was brought in by elite clubs, to protect the elite clubs as they are the highest revenue-generating teams. I don’t like it and there needs to be a change to the rules.

"One of the diversion tactics is that they say that the Premier League are only picking on the small clubs, what about Manchester City? That’s the big elephant in the room, that City’s charges haven’t been brought forward.

"It’s in the interest of Manchester City, and everybody, to bring that case forward, accelerate the process and do it quicker. It can’t go on, and it’s damaging to the Premier League.

"These charges need to be brought forward, even if it’s some of the simpler ones out of the 115 – there is a date set, but Richard Masters wouldn’t share it."