Some of Manchester City’s biggest rivals have filed legal notices reserving the right to seek damages following the football match.judgment of the century‘ in more than 100 alleged rule violations.

In the last phase a Premier League civil warLiverpool, Arsenal and, it is understood, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all taken formal legal steps to protect their chance of major damages if Manchester City are found guilty of wrongdoing.

That revealed last month by Telegraph Sports, a group of clubs believe they have had no choice but to take action due to fears that the length of the Premier League’s investigation and the ongoing independent commission could leave any future claims barred.

Breach of contract claims generally have a six-year time limit and, with allegations of breaches of Manchester City’s rules, appear in Der Spiegel in November 2018, the clubs have now moved to reserve their rights in that time frame.

Any potential arbitration between Premier League clubs would follow the outcome of the current commission, which can itself issue a compensation order as part of potential powers that include fines, points deductions and even expulsion from the league.

“Clubs who have competed with City for major trophies and European qualification may have the most at stake, but it all ultimately depends on what the panel finds and the outcome of any appeal, so this could take many months yet “, he said. a Premier League source.

City, who have won eight Premier League titles since 2011, say they have “irrefutable evidence” to support their innocence and are “looking forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all”.

The reservation of rights letter buys clubs time

A reservation of rights letter is usually sent when a party has become aware of facts that could amount to a breach of contract, but needs time to investigate and consider its options, and in the meantime wants to to reserve their rights.

The Limitation Act of 1980 sets a period of six years after becoming aware of any potential infringement with reasonable diligence. It’s a moment in time that could be open to interpretation given the city’s consistent denials, but the allegations first surfaced through Der Spiegel’s Football Leaks documents reports from 5 November 2018.