Fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays reports that UEFA is exploring changes to Financial Fair Play rules as clubs grapple with the sudden loss in revenue caused by the recent unexpected break from football.
The current FFP rules, which force clubs playing in the Champions League and Europa League to spend only what they earn, restrict owners from pumping excessive funds into clubs to spend on transfer fees and player salaries.
However, Associated Press journalist Rob Harris has recently reported that the currently outlawed injections of cash could massively contribute to the financial wellbeing of clubs, or, in some extreme cases, even ensuring their existence.
In reaction to the reports, which were relayed by Man City Xtra on Twitter, fans of City have flocked to share their opinions on the matter, with many criticising UEFA’s potential reviewing of FFP rules, after City had been banned from playing Champions League football for two years after UEFA found that they had broken FFP rules.
UEFA is exploring changes to FFP rules as clubs grapple with the sudden loss in revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
[@AP]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 7, 2020
Thought ffp was working…. it’s perfect for all clubs, right…. pic.twitter.com/vki6kO37iH
— Mohad (@mohamedamiin2) April 7, 2020
So a crime isn’t a crime anymore when it fits the agenda and affects the Cartel
— Lehlohonolo Papo ? (@papomcfc) April 7, 2020
— Mark N (@mark_n0) April 7, 2020
— William A. Pupo (@WPupo) April 7, 2020
But FFP makes clubs sustainable ????
— jtm (@jtm08) April 7, 2020
Time to move the goal posts again @UEFA
— Pep Tide (@Pep_Tide) April 7, 2020
Sets up nicely for the court case
— cheekeee73 (@cheekeee73) April 8, 2020
Rules are rules. Ban and fine every club in breach of the rules.
— Allan Leach (@AllanLeach1) April 7, 2020
what a joke??
— ARRAY (@shahril_izzuan) April 8, 2020
What do we think?
Although many City fans appear to believe that UEFA’s potential change in FFP rules is hypocritical with regards to the ban that has been imposed by the governing body on their club, it is difficult to argue this case, as City were found to have deliberately misled UEFA regarding falsely inflated sponsorship revenues, rather than their owner simply injecting extra cash into the club.
In addition to this, the amended FFP rules would be brought in to help many clubs financially survive throughout these uncertain times in football, with owners’ money helping to keep their clubs afloat by being able to pay staff and players, rather than for them to improve their individual financial situations.