Premier League clubs to seek damages from Manchester City if found guilty over PL charges - Reports

Premier League clubs are preparing to send legal notice to Manchester City seeking damages from their alleged FFP breach. The English champions are locked in a legal battle with the Premier League, who are looking to charge them with multiple lapses of FIFA Financial Fairplay norms.

Die Spiegel first claimed that City had broken multiple financial rules in November 2018. Since then the saga has dragged on, with the Premier League taking time to investigate the charges.

The hearing finally began last month, overseen by a three-man tribunal panel. The results are expected to be out in the next ten weeks.

Clubs across the league are following the developments closely to see if Manchester City receive sanctions due to over 100 alleged rules break. They are also ready to seek any damages the Cityzens' actions have caused them.

However, there's a six-year time frame for claims of breach of contract, as per the 1980 Limitations Act, which could be over next month. As such, the clubs are already taking legal advice before deciding their next action.

Ideally, the English clubs, whose names have not been revealed yet, would like to know the outcome of the investigation before proceeding. However, they are now left with little options.

Manchester City continue to deny the allegations, and their explosive email to the other 19 clubs regarding the matter has ignited a Premier League civil war. Clubs are now worried that the champions are trying to seize control of the league.

How have Manchester City fared this season?

Manchester City are aiming to lift a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title this season. The Cityzens have started the season well and are second in the league with 17 points from seven games.

Pep Guardiola's team are a point behind current leaders Liverpool. Interestingly, the Spanish manager's contract at the Etihad expires at the end of this season and his future could be linked with the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, City remain the team to beat in the league and Europe. The reigning champions suffered a telling blow to their plans after Rodri's unfortunate ACL injury last month.

The Spanish midfielder, who has been indispensable to Guardiola's tactics so far, is not expected to play again this season. Manchester City could invest in a replacement at the turn of the year, with multiple names already linked with the club. Guardiola could also use Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, or Rico Lewis in the position.