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BREAKING NEWS: Manchester City are in HUGE trouble after what Liverpool have done today.

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Liverpool and Premier League Rivals Take Legal Action Amid Manchester City Financial Breach Allegations

In an unusual display of unity, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham—four of the Premier League’s “big six” clubs—have taken legal steps to protect their interests as they await the outcome of Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.

The Allegations Against Manchester City

Manchester City face 115 allegations of breaching Premier League financial regulations over a 10-year period. The charges include alleged financial irregularities, which the club has repeatedly denied. The case is currently being heard by an independent commission, with a verdict expected in early 2024.

Liverpool and Others Reserve the Right to Seek Compensation

According to The Times’ Martyn Ziegler, Liverpool and their fellow Premier League rivals have filed legal notices reserving the right to claim compensation should Manchester City be found guilty. This precautionary move is aimed at ensuring these clubs can seek damages for potential financial losses they might have suffered as a result of City’s alleged misconduct.

The legal notices stem from concerns that the clubs could be time-barred from pursuing compensation due to the length of time that has elapsed since the alleged breaches first came to light. The issue of a six-year statute of limitations was flagged, particularly given that Der Spiegel first published the Football Leaks documents exposing City’s alleged financial irregularities on November 5, 2018.

Liverpool’s Sensible Legal Safeguard

The Liverpool Echo’s Dave Powell reported that Liverpool acted on advice from their legal team to protect their position in the event of a guilty verdict. By lodging a claim now, they ensure they won’t be barred from seeking damages, especially if City are found to have gained an unfair competitive advantage that impacted other clubs.

Liverpool’s actions are particularly justified given their history of close competition with Manchester City. The Merseyside club finished second to City in the Premier League by a single point in both the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. If City’s alleged financial breaches are proven, Liverpool could argue they missed out on titles, prize money, and other financial benefits tied to success in domestic and European competitions.

Past Precedents

This isn’t the first time Manchester City has faced financial scrutiny. Four years ago, City successfully appealed a two-year UEFA ban from European competitions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that most of the alleged breaches were time-barred. However, the Premier League case operates under different regulations and a separate legal framework.

Implications for the Premier League

If Manchester City are found guilty, the repercussions could be significant for English football. Other clubs may also file claims for loss of income or missed opportunities, such as failing to qualify for European tournaments or missing out on league titles. For Liverpool, one of the most directly affected clubs, this case could be an opportunity to claim justice for years of narrowly missing out on success to a potentially non-compliant rival.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s decision to act proactively is a prudent move, ensuring the club remains prepared to seek compensation should the verdict go against Manchester City. As one of the clubs most impacted by City’s alleged financial misconduct, Liverpool’s actions highlight the importance of accountability and fair play in football.

The final decision from the independent commission will be closely watched, with significant implications for Manchester City, their rivals, and the broader Premier League landscape.

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