UEFA President Ceferin Maintains Stance on Manchester City's Champions League Saga: 'We Know We Were Right
In a recent interview with the Daily Telegraph, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin reiterated his belief that the European governing body made the correct decision in initially suspending Manchester City from the Champions League for breaching financial regulations. Despite the successful appeal that saw the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturn the two-year suspension in July 2020, Ceferin remains steadfast in his conviction.
"We know we were right. We wouldn't decide if we didn't think we were right," stated Ceferin, who drew on his 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer to emphasize the confidence UEFA had in their case. "As a trial lawyer for 25 years, I know that, sometimes, you win a case that you are sure you will lose," he added. "And, sometimes, you lose a case when you're sure... You have to respect the decision of the court. I don't want to speak about the case in England. But I trust that the decision of our independent body was correct."
The case in England referred to by Ceferin is the Premier League's decision to refer Manchester City to an independent commission last year, accusing the club of over 100 breaches of financial rules. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, achieved a historic treble last season by winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
However, concerns persist that the cloud of financial fair play allegations may continue to overshadow the club's on-field success. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters defended the time taken by the league to address the charges against City, citing the "volume and character" of the case as distinct from others, such as the swift action taken against Everton for breaking profitability and sustainability rules.
As the Premier League awaits the commission hearing, the football world anticipates the resolution of the complex and contentious issues surrounding Manchester City's compliance with financial regulations.