David Ornstein dropped a bombshell on Friday, revealing that an independent panel found Manchester City guilty on 114 of 115 charges the Premier League levelled against them for financial fraud.
The Premier League clubs were told about the verdict on Thursday, and while neither party has made it official, the panel has found them guilty.
There will be a separate hearing about potential sanctions on Manchester City, which could result in a massive points deduction, relegation and a huge fine, and the club are set to appeal against the verdict.
However, with Manchester City’s future in the Premier League hanging in the balance, Leeds could be a huge beneficiary of their demise.
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Leeds United set to be unexpected beneficiaries of the Manchester City verdict
Daniel Farke’s men have made a fantastic start to the season in the Premier League, with nine points from their opening five games and an unbeaten run.
Leeds are tipped as dark horses to finish in the European spots, and many see them as a good bet for at least a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke has been trying to temper expectations, insisting Leeds need a second solid season in the Premier League before any other ambition.
However, if Manchester City get docked a massive number of points, as expected, Leeds will have a chance to finish higher in the Premier League.
If Enzo Maresca’s side drop into the relegation zone after sanctions are announced, it could be the difference between Leeds finishing in the top half and qualifying for the Premier League.
The Daily Mail has also revealed that Premier League clubs are plotting a mammoth £800m lawsuit against Manchester City once the verdict is out.
It is unclear whether Leeds will be party to the lawsuit, as there is no direct link between Manchester City and the Whites’ potential income in recent years.
However, the verdict against Manchester City could push Leeds into the European spots.
The Man City verdict will change English football
The Premier League began its investigations into Manchester City in 2018, when German magazine Der Spiegel published leaked emails from club officials.
They were officially charged in 2023, and a 12-week trial took place before an independent panel in 2024. It took more than 18 months to finalise the verdict.
This will run longer, as Manchester City have remained belligerent and are almost certain to appeal. However, at the end of the process, English football won’t remain the same.
Manchester City could get relegated and there are even suggestions that the owners could be forced to sell the club, given the staggering level of corporate fraud behind the scenes.
This will changed English football in more ways than one and an entire era of the Premier League will remain tainted.
