Very briefly Manchester City’s huge legal win this week when they fought their case against the Premier League could change the way clubs make or lose money. City’s owners were accused of making deals between their own companies which the FA claimed gave them an unfair advantage over other clubs. That was called APT – Associated Party Transaction. The second charge brought against City and other teams was the Profitability and Sustainability rules which meant clubs were not allowed to lose more than £105million over three years. The Premier League wanted to keep all clubs operating within strict rules which meant they could not afford to buy and sell players without being restricted on the prices they cost. City were accused of loaning their own club huge sums of money at either low interest rates or no interest at all. That prevented them from falling foul of the P&S rules. Everton and Nottingham Forest lost points because of that rule and they only just avoided relegation last year.
City went to court and argued the league and smaller clubs acted against a minority of rich clubs and prevented their ability to build a business properly. City argued that owners should be able to loan their clubs money at very low interest rates. The FA said this was illegal under their rules.
It was in fact Newcastle’s takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) which lit the touch paper and Premier League clubs feared they would inject huge amounts of free cash into the club giving it an advantage over the lesser wealthy clubs. Sponsorship deals too were investigated because again the money negotiated with clubs was not realistic because many of the sponsors were linked to the club.
Three senior judges sat and listened to legal teams representing Manchester City and the FA Premier League. The result is that the FA has lost and will have to completely overhaul their rules.
As a footnote, many people think that City dominating the Premier League will not depend on changing the financial rules but their reign will end when genius coach Pep Guardiola leaves.
Postecoglou furious with his players
Ange Postecoglou assembled his defensive squad on Tuesday morning, minus the internationals, to find out why they squandered a two goal lead over Brighton. They let in three in 38 minutes! Postecoglou is normally a calm coach but he was furious with his players after eventually losing 3-2. An electric Spur’s first half was overshadowed by an equally dismal second half. He said, “All of it is disappointing. It’s the worst defeat since I’ve been here. It’s something I need to assess. I need to sort this out. We accepted our fate and it’s hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here.” The familiar saying “it’s typical Spursy” was on everyone’s lips and Postecoglou thought he had eliminated Tottenham’s previous failures to hold onto a lead. He went on, “We just weren’t competitive. We didn’t win our duels, we lacked intensity and paid the price.’
Two United players who could suffer under Tuchel
If, and it is a big if, Thomas Tuchel eventually replaces Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United, there could be a rocky road ahead for two players who had problems with the German coach playing for him previously. The United board originally talked with Tuchel about United’s coaching job but opted for Ten Hag, a decision they are probably regretting although they haven’t admitted it. The former Bayern coach was in charge of Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in Bavaria where De Ligt played for him 22 times and Mazraoui 19 times. Tuchel said at the time he did not see De Ligt in his plans due to his lack of pace playing his favourite system of sideways passes with players moving rapidly forward. Mazraoui was unfortunately injured for much of his spell under Tuchel and Joshua Kimmich covered the right back position. Tuchel always said he was a technically skilled player but lack physical power.
Chelsea lose Cucurella and Fofana when they play Liverpool
Chelsea will have to face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 20th without regular starters Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana who have both reached the dreaded five yellow cards which means an automatic one game ban. Enzo Maresca’s side have started the season well despite losing their opening game and now sit in fourth place in the table. Liverpool are top with six wins and have conceded only two goals. Maresca is hoping to have Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke available despite both picking up knocks. He said on Wednesday, “I think both are okay now but we will see but I don’t think there will be a problem.” Nicolas Jackson is hoping to retain his place after he was accused of appearing to slap Nottingham Forest defender Morato during a scuffle between players and Chelsea were hit with a £50k fine for receiving six yellow cards during the match. VAR checked the incident but decided on no action.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca is still looking to sign a backup for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Harry Maguire out again
United defender Harry Maguire has picked up yet another injury which the medical staff say will keep him sidelined for several weeks. He sustained a foot injury against Aston Villa. 31 year-old Maguire was a hero against FC Porto in the Europa League where he came on as a late substitute. It is yet another cruel blow to the centre-back who has suffered several setbacks over the past two seasons and has been left out of the England national squad whereas he was a regular starter at one time.
Villa’s Duran goes from strength to strength
Aston Villa’s supersub Jhon Duran has been given a huge vote of confidence and a big pay rise. His new six-year deal is the reward for giving the club a good start to the season. The Columbian, who is still only 20 years of age, has only started one match this season as he plays understudy to striker Ollie Watkins who is back on form. Even though he has played only a fraction of the time compared with Watkins he has outscored the England international, notching up six goals and five of them from the sub’s bench. In September he won the TV “Goal of the Month” award. Villa rejected over 40 offers for Jhon including a determined effort from West Ham and several from Spain.
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