If the news came as a shock to those at the top at Man City, the Premier League's lengthy statement also made the football world sit right up. Yes, City really have been charged with more than 100 alleged breaches of the top-flight's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
These charges relate to accuracy of financial information, manager remuneration, profitability and sustainability and allegedly failing to assist Premier League investigations, but it must be said that City have always vehemently denied any wrongdoing. A club spokesman said 'we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all'.
Regardless of the independent commission's ultimate findings, the resources the Premier League have already poured into this four-year investigation highlight why Newcastle have taken Financial Fair Play so seriously. Yes, more than £250m has been spent on new signings since the takeover, but outsiders expected Newcastle's owners to go even bigger in the manner the PIF have, say, with LIV Golf. This was the so-called 'richest club in the world', after all.
