How Arsene Wenger’s prophecy came true after the Premier League’s statement on Manchester City

An investigation spanning almost five years has found more than 100 alleged breaches over nine seasons, which could lead to a range of sanctions if the charges are proved.

The Premier League statement accuses City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018 and says they breached rules requiring them to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”.

City deny any wrongdoing and have vowed to clear their name declaring in a statement that they “look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

In 2012 former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger previously warned the footballing authorities against allowing manipulation of their rules, after suggestions that City could use their sponsorship deal with Etihad in a bid to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions.

“The original plans suggested sponsorship deals have to be at the level of the market price, but if clubs use unrealistic deals as a way to get around Financial Fair Play, it will make a mockery of the rules,” said Wenger.

“We need to make sure the rules are followed because they can be very good for the future of the game.

“When you look at what Manchester City have spent and analyse their wage bill, what chance do we have.

“We are always looking to improve our team, but the reality is we are facing tough opponents on and off the pitch. When you look at the budget City are working with, it is incredible. Sometimes you have to be realistic and accept it is not easy for everyone else.”

Pep Guardiola’s side have won six Premier League titles since the Abu Dhabi United Group took over in 2008.

Now working as FIFA’s head of global football development, Wenger's stance on FFP eventually changed as he witnessed clubs find loopholes around UEFA's regulations and in 2020 he called for changes to the system.

“I am in favour of measures that reinforce checks around club management, over measures that restrict and limit,” Wenger told L’Equipe.

“We should value quality management and encourage it.

“And I am in favour of opening things up to more investment, which FFP does not allow for. The clubs that dominate Europe today are those that were built and made investments during an era where FFP did not exist. FFP prevents emerging clubs who want to invest from doing so. That is not normal.

“Controlling club management rigorously yes, verifying where funds are coming from, yes, but we need to encourage people to invest in football. FFP must become more flexible and facilitate investment.”

According to a report, City have requested lawyer Lord Pannick KC to defend them against the 100 charges they have been accused of.

No timeline has yet been released for the case, and if the charges are proven City could be hit with punishments ranging from a fine, points deduction and expulsion from the Premier League.