Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have reportedly been issued a warning by Sky Sports (Image: GETTY)
, and other pundits have reportedly been warned about commenting on ‘s legal battle with the . The reigning champions are facing 115 charges of allegedly breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. An independent hearing ran from September to December last year, with City denying all charges.
The verdict is set to be announced before the end of the season and some reports have suggested it could be due imminently. In response, Sky Sports are said to have written to their pundits to lay down some important ground rules before the decision is revealed.
The verdict is set to be announced at some point before the end of the season (Image: GETTY)
The likes of Carragher and Neville have been warned against making ‘snap judgements’ when speaking about the case, according to the . They have also been urged to ‘stick to the facts’ and allow themselves ‘sufficient time to digest the outcome’ before passing comment.
It is also said that Sky Sports have shared a fact file on the long-running case for ultimate clarity on what is an extremely sensitive matter. The move is reportedly aimed at ensuring fair coverage of the verdict and its aftermath, with the broadcaster keen to avoid causing any controversy.
Those on the email list have been advised that both sides may ‘attempt to claim victory in some form’ and that any potential punishment could be subject to appeal. Pundits have also been urged to direct viewers to Sky Sports News for more information.
City have been by failing to provide accurate financial information over a nine-year period. The club have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their case is supported by a ‘comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence’.
The charges levelled against City include failing to provide accurate details on player and manager contracts, failing to provide accurate financial information and failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s subsequent investigation.
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If found guilty, a range of punishments could be handed down to City including a limitless fine or a points deduction, which could even result in relegation. There would also be the prospect of further legal action from some of their Premier League rivals.
Stefan Borson, who previously served as a financial advisor to City, believes the case will stretch past the end of the season if any of the 115 charges are proven and an appeal is subsequently lodged.
He told : “It’s only going to drag on to the end of the season if City are found liable for anything. If they’re clear, then the question will be what will the Premier League want to do about an appeal?
“But if City are found liable for anything, this could drag on until the end of the season. In some ways, that’s a positive in that it allows people to deal with it in the closed season to an extent.
“If the sanction is very serious, then you’ve got the issue of what happens with relegation or which season do you take the points from and all of that sort of stuff. It’s always been complicated and it remains complicated.”