LaLiga president Javier Tebas announced that the Spanish league has lodged a formal complaint against Manchester City with the European Union Commission. The complaint, filed in 2023, alleges that the English football club has violated EU Competition Law by receiving resources under non-market conditions. This alleged financial advantage is said to disrupt several markets closely related to football, allowing Manchester City to secure elite players and coaches while obtaining sponsorship revenues that purportedly do not reflect fair market value.
The European Commission has confirmed receipt of this complaint, which is tied to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. LaLiga claims that Manchester City benefits from foreign subsidies provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These subsidies allegedly bolster the club's competitive standing, causing notable distortions across both national and EU markets. According to LaLiga, these financial advantages enhance Manchester City's on-field performance, simultaneously limiting the capabilities of its competitors.
Despite these allegations, Manchester City has firmly denied all charges. The club has refrained from commenting further, citing what they perceive as a history of antagonistic behavior from LaLiga president Javier Tebas. Tebas has been vocal in his criticism, stating:
"All they do is they think about how they can avoid the rules and regulations." – Javier Tebas
It is important to note that this complaint is distinct from the 115 charges Manchester City is already facing regarding alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations. LaLiga's complaint centers on the premise that Manchester City's receipt of foreign subsidies from non-EU states violates EU laws aimed at maintaining fair competition within the internal market.
The regulation in question concerns foreign subsidies granted to companies engaged in economic activities within the EU. By filing this complaint, LaLiga seeks to address what it views as an unfair advantage that disrupts the competitive landscape of European football.
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