Richard Masters Faces Mounting Pressure Amid EPL Turmoil

Richard Masters, the English Premier League’s (EPL) chief executive, is under increasing scrutiny as legal conflicts against Manchester City intensify.

The EPL recently suffered a legal setback when a tribunal deemed some of its financial rules as unlawful – specifically, those concerning commercial deals with owner-related parties. Manchester City, a key player in the dispute, criticised the league’s handling of the case, accusing the organisation of issuing misleading statements.

City’s complaints, led by their general counsel, Simon Cliff, focused on the rushed and anti-competitive nature of the Associated Party Transaction rules, hastily introduced in 2021. Several clubs have since voiced support for City’s objections, further widening the rift between the Premier League and its clubs.

Adding to the protests, Noel Gallagher – a prominent Man City fan – publicly called for Masters to resign and signed a petition. Gallagher has accused Masters of favouring a “red cartel” of rival clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool.

The friction comes as the Citizens prepare for a more significant legal battle over 115 alleged financial rule breaches. While City denies the charges, Masters finds himself at the centre of mounting criticism over his leadership of English football’s top league.

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