How private Leeds agreement could lead to multiple Man City claims as lawyer talks underway
Leeds United may have set the example for incoming claims against Manchester City.
There is no hiding from the problems that the Citizens are currently facing.
The Sky Blues have been found guilty on 114 of 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations.
City have been charged for these rule breaks between 2009 and 2018 as an independent body was brought in to review the claims.
The hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium have remained firm in saying they've done nothing wrong, but it isn't looking good.
Man City could soon be facing a raft of claims against them as Leeds have already proven how the process could work.
Who is preparing to claim against Manchester City?
Although there is no punishment decided by the Premier League for the eight-time champions, that may be the least of their concerns.
The iPaper details that City could soon face compensation claims from clubs, players and managers.
The example given is those who missed out on Champions League qualification and title bonuses over the years.
That could result in a legal bill that could reach nine figures at the Etihad.
Kieran Maguire told the news outlet, "Overall, the bill could be hundreds of millions if you look at the number of clubs involved. You would calculate the size of the claim by looking at the rewards of qualifying for the Champions League and the potential prize money."
The finance expert went on to discuss how Leeds' previous work may play a role.
They agreed a private settlement with Everton in 2024 after the Merseyside outfit's financial breach, something which could be replicated as players look at claiming for revenue they ultimately missed out on.
Maguire added: "At present it’s seen as a remote chance but could players on an individual or class action basis take action based on bonuses missed out on?
"I’ve seen contracts with a 25 per cent pay rise for playing in the Champions League. A player on £4m-a-year has been denied £1m. If there’s 25 people in the squad, that potentially adds up.
"By the time you take into account individual clubs and players over a long period of time, you could be talking nine figures."
It is suggested that "plenty" of clubs are in talks with lawyers as they look ahead to a costly and time consuming process.
Leeds could play a background role in this, but what actually happened for them to reach a settlement with Everton?
What did Leeds United and Everton agree to?
It has only been a year since news dropped that the Elland Road outfit had reach an out-of-court agreement with the Toffees.
It was connected to events where Everton failed to comply with PSR in the 2021/22 campaign.
Leeds claimed that the Merseysiders' breach of financial rules helped them to finish above them and earn over £2million more in revenue.
The hierarchy at Thorp Arch didn't believe their case was strong enough to court, especially compared to Burnley who were relegated and won their case against the Blues.
The thinking at Elland Road may prove to be something many other parties utilise in the near future when looking at their options against Manchester City.