Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly preserved their right to pursue compensation claims against Manchester City that could collectively be worth more than £200 million if the club’s financial charges verdict is upheld.
According to The Independent, the four clubs have taken steps under Section W of the Premier League’s rules to protect their potential claims over earnings they believe they may have lost as a result of City’s alleged financial breaches.
The claims could relate to missed opportunities in the league and Champions League, as well as other forms of lost revenue.
Manchester United, for example, finished second behind City in the 2011-12 and 2017-18 Premier League seasons, while Liverpool missed out on the title in 2013-14.
City also qualified for the Champions League throughout the period covered by the investigation.
However, potential claims may extend beyond specific seasons in which clubs missed out on trophies. The report says lawyers could also examine “loss of chance” arguments involving subsequent campaigns, alongside commercial opportunities and other financial losses.
Arsenal are understood to have been the first club to preserve their right to seek compensation, with Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United following afterwards.
Other clubs are also understood to have consulted law firms about whether they retain the ability to bring claims.
The situation is complicated by the passage of time. Clubs that did not formally preserve their rights before the relevant limitation period expired could face difficulties, although lawyers may argue that the Premier League case constitutes a single proceeding that began before the deadline.
There is already a recent precedent involving Burnley and Everton. In June, an independent commission ordered Everton to pay £35.1 million to Burnley after finding that Everton’s breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules had given them a sporting advantage during the 2021-22 season.
Any compensation claims against City would be separate legal proceedings and could only be pursued after the underlying Premier League case, and its appeals process, have been concluded.
Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the verdict concerning the Premier League’s financial charges.
The club reiterated that position in a statement:
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such, Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.”
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
The potential compensation battle therefore remains dependent on the outcome of City’s appeal and the eventual conclusion of the wider case.