Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Manchester City may face scrutiny from the Premier League’s football board for a potential violation of Under-21 competition regulations. Reports indicate Southampton are reportedly dissatisfied that tonight’s Premier League 2 play-off final will not be held at the Etihad Stadium.
Premier League 2 Play-Off Final Controversy
City will clash with the Saints tonight in a showdown to determine the nation’s top U21 team. Premier League 2 serves as a youth tournament among the country’s elite teams in that age bracket. It aims to facilitate the progression from academy to senior-team football, and this year it expanded into a single-division format comprising 26 teams, moving away from the previous north and south subdivisions.
Venue Dispute
Despite regulations stipulating that play-off matches must occur at the hosting team’s primary venue, tonight’s game will be held at City’s women’s and academy ground, the Joie Stadium. This is due to extensive redevelopment activities underway at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
According to reports, Southampton are allegedly “displeased” with the match being staged at the 7,000-seater arena instead of the 53,600-capacity Etihad Stadium. The Saints hosted their last-16 and quarter-final matches at St Mary’s, before overcoming Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
City hosted Manchester United at the Joie Stadium in the semi-finals. It’s suggested that Southampton offered to host the final at St. Mary’s, although this move would negate the home advantage initially secured by City through their higher league position.
Sources reveal that City believes Southampton have been “opportunistic” by dragging their feet in accepting the Joie Stadium as the venue. This impasse is claimed to have thwarted Sky Sports’ chance to broadcast a Premier League 2 match for the first time.
Manchester City’s Position
City reportedly informed the Premier League in March and April that the ongoing work at the Etihad Stadium could potentially result in a breach of regulations. The Premier League collaborated with City and United to host the semi-final at the Joie Stadium. A victory against Southampton would crown Ben Wilkinson’s team as four-time Premier League 2 champions.
Ongoing Financial Fair Play Investigation
Meanwhile, a verdict on the 130 charges leveled against City by the Premier League is not anticipated before the summer. City stands accused of contravening the league’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, facing a range of significant accusations.
An initial judgment was expected in March, with the manager stating back in February: “In one month, I anticipate a decision and a punishment. Following that, we will share our thoughts on the situation thus far.”