Asked if he would change the English Premier League constitution? The longest serving Premier League chairman, Daniel Levy had an interesting response.
“Personally, I would but it’s impossible to change it today. I would say most owners only think about themselves.
“They think about their club, which is not necessarily wrong, and they think very short-term.
“I think there should be an arbitrator that should be brought in, and I don’t believe it can be government”.
In recent years, debate has intensified around government intervention and regulation in the Premier League, with some club owners pushing back, arguing that it restricts their freedom to run clubs as private enterprises.
Measures such as spending caps, ownership scrutiny, and post-Brexit transfer rules are often seen as barriers that stifle competitiveness, especially on the global stage.
Many owners fear that excessive regulation could shrink profits, complicate investments, or scare off wealthy foreign backers.
A striking example is former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who was forced to sell the club after UK government sanctions linked to political tensions and financial scrutiny, highlighting just how deeply regulation can reshape a club’s future.
The 63-year-old broke his silence on Manchester City’s 115 financial charges, expressing frustration that the case has dragged on “far too long”.
In February 2023, the club was charged with 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations spanning nine seasons, from 2009 to 2017.
City is accused of failing to cooperate fully with investigations and providing inaccurate information. The club has denied all allegations, and the case was taken to an independent panel at the International Resolution Centre in London.
The case was concluded last year, but a three-man team is still reviewing the evidence, and the final verdict has yet to be announced. If found guilty, Manchester City could face hefty fines or even a points deduction.
Commenting on the matter, he said, “I think it would be really unfair for me to talk about another Premier League club. All I will say is that it’s been going on for far too long. For the good of the game, it needs to be brought to a conclusion one way or another.”
Back in February, City manager Pep Guardiola expected a verdict by March, telling the media, “In one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence. After that, we will see”.
When asked why City has become a legal target in football, the 54-year-old replied: “I don’t know. It happened with UEFA before, and now the Premier League is handling the case. We’ll wait for the sentence, then talk.”
