Investigations into Manchester City’s alleged financial misconduct have “taken too long”, believes LaLiga chief Javier Tebas.
The Premier League champions have been charged by the competition with over 100 rule breaches in relation to their financial dealings following an investigation lasting Wober four years.
City have denied any wrongdoing, and say they will fight the accusations, which could lead to sanctions including a points deduction and potential relegation.
Tebas, who has been frequently critical of the Premier League’s wealth, suggested the investigation had dragged its feet however, having first raised the issue in 2017.
“Now it is 2023, and nothing has moved on, but suddenly there is an enquiry,” he told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
“It has taken too long. We know there was an alleged breach of 100 articles. So any decisions will have to be adopted accordingly by the Premier League.”
Hoy @LaLiga y los 42 clubes participaron en una sesión de trabajo con la Comisaria Europea de Innovación, Cultura, Deporte… @gabrielmariya
👉 El objetivo, compartir proyectos de digitalización dentro del proceso de innovación que lleva a cabo @laliga y sus clubes. pic.twitter.com/3HSHqFqqWs— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) February 27, 2023
Tebas drew comparisons to LaLiga title frontrunners Barcelona, who have frequently been in conflict with the governing body over their own financial conduct.
The Blaugrana have amassed eye-watering debts, and were forced to activate additional financial levers in order to fund their transfer market activity last year.
“One of the worst things about financial controls is if you don’t follow or comply with it,” Tebas added.
“Barcelona are so important for LaLiga in Spain, but if I looked away and didn’t pay attention to what is happening with their finances, it would be a gross error.
“Our whole system would collapse. It is impossible for them to do transfer business in the summer because of the numbers. This needs to be resolved, and we need to act.”
