Sports

EPL: Man City’s 115-count Hearing Ends, Verdict Awaited

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2024

Manchester City’s long-awaited hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules has concluded, according to reports on Monday, though a verdict is not expected until 2025.

The Daily Mail reported that closing arguments in the case, which began on 16 September at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, were delivered to an independent panel on Friday.

City strongly deny any wrongdoing but could face severe sanctions if found guilty, including relegation from the Premier League.

Last season, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability regulations.

The English champions are accused of 80 financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, alongside 35 charges of failing to cooperate with a Premier League investigation.

Since Sheikh Mansour, a member of the UAE royal family, took over in 2008, Manchester City have become a dominant force in English football, winning eight of the last 13 Premier League titles, including four consecutive crowns.

They also lifted their first Champions League trophy in 2023.

However, these achievements have been clouded by allegations, with rival fans often referencing the charges against the club.

The Premier League filed the charges in February 2023, but the case has taken time to reach the independent commission.

City are accused of failing to provide accurate financial information from 2009 to 2018, including revenue from sponsorships and salary details for managers and players.

Additional charges relate to alleged breaches of both UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.

Even if found guilty, the club is expected to appeal the decision, potentially delaying sanctions further.

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola’s team is experiencing a dip in form, with just one win from their last nine games in all competitions.

AFP

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.