Thank you all SO much for your Qs. There have been so many both here and on socials and via email I can't possibly answer them all this week. But there will be answers to some, and next week answers to more ... and I'm reading every question, and if I'not answering you then I'm quite probably looking into a story prompted by your question. Thanks for all of them, and for your support in this first week.
Is the impending IREF a factor in the PL delaying the resolution of Man City’s charges?
The White Paper seems to imply that the most impactful legislative changes will be in the field of corporate governance rather than financial misconduct, but with the huge political implications of City’s charges, is the prevailing wisdom to wait until there is a statutory body with regulatory oversight of these proceedings?
Like I say I doubt it’s the biggest factor holding up proceedings but I’m interested to know if you believe it’s part of the PL’s thinking!
Hi Nick. I have a couple of queries about Chelsea's finances in the Abramovich era. When he was forced to sell up, it was revealed that he had loaned the club £1.5bn (for which he never sought repayment). This clearly explains why Chelsea were able to spend so much on transfer fees and wages over many years. Is the fact that these were loans the reason that this didn't amount to breaches of FFP or the Premier League's own financial rules? And if that is the case, why don't Man City's owners just "loan" the club loads of money?
IF Manchester city are found guilty in their current case. Will there be a second case as this one only goes up to a certain date and its not as if they have stopped inventing ways to invest into the club.
I know you have some past history reporting on Rovers and The Raos so I was hoping you could shine a little light on their recent situation of having to ask the Indian government every time they want to invest; how that works and how you see that playing out.
Hi Nick, in terms of finances, how do you see a project like Wrexham in terms of how far can the owners take it before they have to look at external investment? Is the Championship a realistic initial aim?
Really enjoying the new venture already - having also enjoyed previous work of yours too.
Would definitely be interested in your views on the 3pm blackout and what you think the best or best of the worst options of what the future could hold there?
Best of luck, and I'm really enjoying the reads already.
A question on Chelsea. With their amortization spread for the recent huge spending, they'll be hard pressed to meet P&L PL rules. However, if they qualify for Europe, they'll need to restate any accounts from June 23 with the new UEFA rules, limiting any amortization to five years, whatever the length of contract.
That being the case, could this cause impact for them with P&L PL rules- because as a company, you can't state diffeernt accounts for different bodies. The follow up to that question, is, do they actually care? It seems like Clearlake has a five year exit strategy, and they don't care how they get there, just as long as the team is full of talent and performing by 2028?
In terms of FFP breaches, what does a proportional punishment look like and how/why don't the national, regional and global authorities work together on a clearer set of guidelines for clubs?
As a Blackburn fan, it's fair to say the discontent with the owners is growing again. You covered the Venkys quite a bit previously but is there much which didn't make the public domain? And how do you see their ownership being resolved i.e. are they likely to sell or would it be administration or some other means that sees them leave the club?
Came here with a similar question. Especially with the new rules about moving money out of India that seem to have caused cash flow problems at the club.
Thank you all SO much for your Qs. There have been so many both here and on socials and via email I can't possibly answer them all this week. But there will be answers to some, and next week answers to more ... and I'm reading every question, and if I'not answering you then I'm quite probably looking into a story prompted by your question. Thanks for all of them, and for your support in this first week.
Hi Nick, congrats on the new venture.
Is the impending IREF a factor in the PL delaying the resolution of Man City’s charges?
The White Paper seems to imply that the most impactful legislative changes will be in the field of corporate governance rather than financial misconduct, but with the huge political implications of City’s charges, is the prevailing wisdom to wait until there is a statutory body with regulatory oversight of these proceedings?
Like I say I doubt it’s the biggest factor holding up proceedings but I’m interested to know if you believe it’s part of the PL’s thinking!
Hi Nick. I have a couple of queries about Chelsea's finances in the Abramovich era. When he was forced to sell up, it was revealed that he had loaned the club £1.5bn (for which he never sought repayment). This clearly explains why Chelsea were able to spend so much on transfer fees and wages over many years. Is the fact that these were loans the reason that this didn't amount to breaches of FFP or the Premier League's own financial rules? And if that is the case, why don't Man City's owners just "loan" the club loads of money?
IF Manchester city are found guilty in their current case. Will there be a second case as this one only goes up to a certain date and its not as if they have stopped inventing ways to invest into the club.
Hi Nick,
Firstly, best of luck with the new venture!
How do you know the right time to push the "the accountability needs challenged" button? / Handle the fire that might come with it?
Cheers!
What ever happened with all the blood samples from Operación Puerto. Or was it completely cover up
Hi Nick,
This is great - good luck with it.
Any plans to do more of the Football Uncovered podcast? That was absolutely superb. The Portsmouth one my own highlight, of many.
Reminds me of walking alone during COVID, with you the two lads for company. But other than that it’d be brill to see that back on my podcast app.
Andrew
Hello Nick,
I know you have some past history reporting on Rovers and The Raos so I was hoping you could shine a little light on their recent situation of having to ask the Indian government every time they want to invest; how that works and how you see that playing out.
Thanks!
Do Claire and Carmy get back together in Series 3?
I think the point of season 3 will be answering that!
I cannot watch if they don’t, and I will blame you as your tweets put me on to it!!! 😂
Nbpn
Hi Nick, in terms of finances, how do you see a project like Wrexham in terms of how far can the owners take it before they have to look at external investment? Is the Championship a realistic initial aim?
So many questions this week, I can't answer them all, but I will answer this in next week's Q&A
Do you think City will actually be convicted, this side of 2040?
Hi Nick
Really enjoying the new venture already - having also enjoyed previous work of yours too.
Would definitely be interested in your views on the 3pm blackout and what you think the best or best of the worst options of what the future could hold there?
Hi Nick,
Best of luck, and I'm really enjoying the reads already.
A question on Chelsea. With their amortization spread for the recent huge spending, they'll be hard pressed to meet P&L PL rules. However, if they qualify for Europe, they'll need to restate any accounts from June 23 with the new UEFA rules, limiting any amortization to five years, whatever the length of contract.
That being the case, could this cause impact for them with P&L PL rules- because as a company, you can't state diffeernt accounts for different bodies. The follow up to that question, is, do they actually care? It seems like Clearlake has a five year exit strategy, and they don't care how they get there, just as long as the team is full of talent and performing by 2028?
In terms of FFP breaches, what does a proportional punishment look like and how/why don't the national, regional and global authorities work together on a clearer set of guidelines for clubs?
As a Blackburn fan, it's fair to say the discontent with the owners is growing again. You covered the Venkys quite a bit previously but is there much which didn't make the public domain? And how do you see their ownership being resolved i.e. are they likely to sell or would it be administration or some other means that sees them leave the club?
Came here with a similar question. Especially with the new rules about moving money out of India that seem to have caused cash flow problems at the club.