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Despite Manchester City being found guilty of violating financial regulations, Major League Soccer has confirmed that sister club New York City FC will not face any investigation for potential similar violations.
The soccer world continues to be shaken after the Premier League confirmed Man City's guilt, holding them responsible for nearly all charges tied to financial fair play breaches occurring between 2009 and 2018. While City insist they are innocent, substantial penalties are anticipated to be imposed on the club before the season concludes.
City was acquired in 2008 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in 2013, the holding company City Football Group was established with the goal of expanding their portfolio of clubs. NYCFC became the inaugural team to join City's ownership umbrella, before making their MLS debut as an expansion side in 2015.
While both clubs operate under separate executive boards, NYCFC chief financial officer Andrew Widdowson served as City's financial director throughout the entire period during which the club violated the Premier League's financial regulations, according to The Athletic.
Given such obvious connections to City, speculation arose over whether MLS would launch an investigation into NYCFC for comparable violations. However, it seems the 2021 MLS Cup champions will emerge unaffected by their sister club's controversy.
Man City's Guilty Charges Dismissed By MLS
When questioned about City's guilty verdict and any potential investigations the league might pursue against NYCFC, MLS commissioner Don Garber not only ruled out that possibility but also commended City Football Group for their dedication to supporting MLS's development.
"We're fortunate to have owners in our league who own multiple teams across various leagues," Garber stated at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit on Wednesday. "We have [Colorado Rapids owner] Stan Kroneke owning Arsenal, and we have owners with teams in Spain, in Italy, and throughout the rest of the world.
"MLS is focused on how owners conduct themselves in accordance with our rules here in Major League Soccer. I will say that what NYCFC has accomplished through their ownership, the City Football Group, investing in our league, building a strong team in NYCFC, developing an MLS NEXT Pro stadium in New Jersey, and of course their stadium set to open in Queens, is something we are truly grateful for and appreciate.
A special visit from a legend of the game 🧠⚽️
Pep Guardiola joined us for the Hudson River Derby this past weekend and spent some time talking to fans. pic.twitter.com/1zjyqL8LxL
"But we are not in the business of scrutinizing what our team owners do in other leagues, and frankly, I don't believe any league would concern itself with what other owners do when they hold multiple investments across different sports.
"The concept of multi-team ownership is something we all navigate, manage, and we have our own governance framework regarding how they conduct themselves."
New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami, and Real Salt Lake are among other MLS clubs whose owners also hold interests in European soccer teams.
City and their ownership group may be at the center of the storm with potentially historic sanctions on the horizon, but across the Atlantic, NYCFC appear to be well clear of any scrutiny.