Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has sharply criticised the club's £440 million summer transfer spending while 115 Premier League charges remain unresolved. Bernstein, who also served as FA Chair, said the expenditure makes a mockery of Premier League regulation.
The criticism comes as Manchester City sits top of the Premier League with a perfect record of three wins from three games, scoring seven goals and conceding just two. Their next test is a important away fixture against Manchester United on September 13th, though they will be without Iliman Ndiaye, Nico O'Reilly, and Jérémy Doku due to injury.
What did David Bernstein say about the spending?
David Bernstein, who is 83 and chaired Manchester City before leading the Football Association between 2011 and 2013, wrote a column this week. He described the club's transfer activity as extraordinary given the ongoing case. "The fact they have done this (transfer spend) against the background of the 115 Premier League charges is extraordinary and makes a mockery of regulation in England's top division, supposedly the best-run league in the world," Bernstein said.
He also questioned the Premier League's approach to the case, asking why the league prosecuted all 115 alleged offences instead of selecting specimen cases to speed up the process. Bernstein invoked the principle that "justice delayed is justice denied."
What were Manchester City's major summer signings?
The club's spending spree totalled £440 million, which converts to approximately $594.7 million. Their marquee signing was Enzo Fernandez, who arrived for a British-record transfer fee of £125 million ($169.1 million). Another significant acquisition was Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million ($155.2 million), while Ayyoub Bouaddi was signed for £86 million ($117 million). This heavy investment has occurred while the club maintains its denial of all 115 charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023.
What is the current status of the 115 charges?
An independent commission concluded a 12-week hearing on the charges in December 2024. As of now, no verdict has been delivered. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters recently addressed the delay, stating the ruling has taken considerably longer than anticipated. "The process is the process. It will resolve itself. But as you know, I literally can't say a thing about it." Masters said, citing league rules that prevent him from discussing the substance or timing of the case.
Masters added that the issue is not a top topic in boardroom conversations with other clubs and that the league "moves on," with the new season having started. There is growing frustration over the case's length.
How does this context fit with City's current season?
On the pitch, Manchester City's form has been impeccable. They lead the standings with maximum points from their opening fixtures. The squad's depth, even with current injuries, will be tested in the coming weeks. Their immediate focus is the derby at Old Trafford, a fixture detailed on the club's fixtures schedule. The team travels to face 11th-placed Manchester United on September 13, 2026.
