Benjamin Mendy’s allegation against Manchester City was successfully defended by Nick De Marco, who has previously discussed the FFP hearing.
Sports attorney Nick de Marco KC has stated his belief that, despite being found guilty of serious financial violations, Manchester City should not be demoted.
The 57-year-old successfully sued the club for unpaid pay on behalf of former City player Benjamin Mendy, winning £11 million. During a two-day employment hearing, it was revealed that City had suspended his £500,000 monthly salary after he was found not guilty of sexual crimes in August 2021.
De Marco of Blackstone Chambers, meanwhile, insists that if Man City is found guilty of serious financial violations, relegation would be the wrong punishment. The ruling is not expected to be made public until early 2025 for City, Newcastle United, and the other Premier League teams.
“In my opinion, things as important as promotion and relegation should be determined on the pitch,” De Marco said in an interview with The Times in September. For individuals like me—attorneys, accountants, and former attorneys who serve as arbitrators and hear legal arguments behind closed doors—to decide it ruins the game.
“That’s my business, and I will profit from it. However, I’m not sure if it’s correct.
De Marco also opposes the idea of deducting points, which has happened to teams like Everton and Nottingham Forest in the past. As a football fan, he argued: “I firmly believe that points deductions need to be the last thing that people consider while looking for violations.
However, it’s starting to become a standard starting point, which I believe detracts greatly from the game’s enjoyment and entertainment value. Given the glaring shortcomings of monetary sanctions, I can understand the case for point deductions as the most effective means of correcting a competitive advantage.
“If you are a very wealthy owner – intent on just spending anything in breach of the rules – you’re not going to worry too much about financial penalty, but I still think point deductions should be a last resort.”
In February 2023, the Premier League filed more than 100 accusations of financial malfeasance against Man City; however, the secret hearing did not start until September of this year. Since the hearing concerns private stockholders, specifics are not being made public.
READ MORE ON:https://sportip.co.uk/