City nearly got away with their ‘crime’

For all those who are a bit tired of the Manchester City saga, we can tell you this – it’s not gonna go away anytime soon. In fact, it looks like these three weeks have been just the beginning. As always, the press is now ‘digging’ new information and new details emerge on the daily basis. And it’s gonna get much more intense once the appeal procedure is over and the commission gives its final verdict. But until then, former and present players and coaches will have their view of the City’s potential undoing. The biggest concern for the vast majority of people (and clubs) who are not supporting City is that the club will somehow get away with certainly the biggest scandal in the history of the Premier League. And according to Bloomberg, they almost did."Our titles are not tainted": Maresca stands firm as Man City face the chaosThe famous global financial data, software, and media company reported that the Premier League held ‘secret settlement talks’ with Manchester City before the verdict came out. These talk and the proposal have been characterized basically as a let off with a heavy fine rather than risk having their titles stripped and face expulsion from the top flight. But the talks failed due to the club’s persisting claims that they are not guilty at all. A settlement would have caused uproar among rival clubs and it would have reduced the size of the case rather than resolve it in full. In addition, a settlement would not necessarily have amounted to admission of guilt.Pep is coming back to support CityBut now, City have been found guilty on almost all charges, and face a severe fine if their appeal fails. Also, the settlement case is now long off the table and the Citizens might regret their decision. The Financial Times also reported that just hours after the Premier League charged Man City with 115 breaches of financial rules, the chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak had a meeting with then UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt. Treasury officials implored at the start he avoid mentioning football, but an upset Khaldoon raised it up anyway, equating it to "a cartel attack". Dark days are ahead of City….ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 6Saturday14.30: (1.40) Arsenal (4.85) Leeds (8.20) 17.00: (2.70) Aston Villa (3.35) Brentford (2.60) 17.00: (1.80) Chelsea (3.70) Bournemouth (4.40) 17.00: (2.80) Ipswich (3.40) Fulham (2.50)17.00: (3.10) Sunderland (3.40) Brighton (2.30) 19.30: (1.75) Man.Utd. (3.80) Tottenham (4.60) Sunday16.00: (2.65) Crystal Palace (3.20) Nott.Forest (2.75)16.00: (3.60) Hull (3.40) Everton (2.10) 18.30: (2.75) Liverpool (3.45) Man.City (2.50)Monday22.00: (3.30) Coventry (3.50) Newcastle (2.15)***odds are subject to change***