Manchester City and Newcastle United face European Commission threat after complaints over ‘state subsidies’

The complaints suggest that Man City and Newcastle are aided by the 'state'.

Manchester City and Newcastle United face European Commission threat after complaints over ‘state subsidies’

Yasir Al-Rumayyan & Sheikh Mansour (via Manchester Evening News)

Premier League clubs Manchester City and Newcastle United are likely to face an investigation on behalf of the European Commission. Both City and Newcastle are under the ownership of overseas investors Sheikh Mansour and Yasir Al-Rumayyan respectively. The Manchester club is wholly owned by Sheikh Mansour while PIF have acquired the majority of shares (80%) and is therefore the de facto owner of the club. Yasir Al-Rumayyan is the Chairman of the club.

Reports suggest that both clubs are liable to an investigation by the European Commission following a breach of rules with regard to ‘state subsidies.’ As per reports, the European Commission have received multiple complaints from different bodies regarding the breach of these rules and whether either club has, in fact, utilised state aid as a means to disrupt and distort the European market in terms of the football industry.

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The commission will investigate whether Man City are in fact a personal investment venture of Sheikh Mansour or controlled by the UAE state. As for Newcastle, the Commission will look into the issue of the club being an extension of the power of the Saudi state.

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Manchester City have experienced a huge boost in success following the investment, with multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League last season. Meanwhile, Newcastle have had a serious improvement in squad quality and have qualified for this season’s Champions League.

Also read: Sevilla shows support to Jenni Hermoso and the Spanish Women’s Team after wearing a special jersey before the La Liga clash 

Newcastle lose to 10-men Liverpool

Newcastle United vs Liverpool on Sunday
Newcastle United vs Liverpool on Sunday (Via Sky Sports)

After losing 1-0 to Man City on the last matchday, Newcastle found themselves in much of a pickle as they lost to 10 men Liverpool. The Magpies hosted Premier League giants Liverpool on Sunday as Klopp and co. came back from an early goal and a red card to Virgil Van Dijk in a solid mentality masterclass. Newcastle had an excellent record against the top 6 last season compared to their previous seasons, winning 3 and drawing 2 other games. But they have already lost 2 games in a row against the two of the ‘Big SIX’.

For more than 70 minutes of the game, the Merseysiders were left with just 10 men on the pitch after an early red card to Van Dijk. Additionally, just a couple of minutes before the sending off Eddie Howe’s side took a lead through a calm finish from Anthony Gordon. But they succumbed in the later stages of the game when the German tactician started pulling out mindful substitutions to which Howe had no reply.

Finally, a brace from Darwin Nunez in the last 15 minutes sealed the deal for Liverpool in what was a stunning display from the Reds. As for Newcastle, many fans are clueless and shell-shocked as they thought this could be their season. But it is just the start and they could hope that the players can pull themselves out of this. Up next, they face Brighton away.

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