18 Mar 2026 16:22:00
Adverse reaction to the scurrilous Chelsea decision is bubbling away nicely .
Nicko de Marco, who represented us ( and Leicester) at our FFP hearing has gone public and asked for "consistency" in punishments. Without mentioning Chelsea or any other club, using this word is as close as a lawyer can come within the libel and defamation laws to saying "bent".
Likewise, Simon Leaf, another legal expert in this field, writing in the Mail has called it " the deal of the decade " for Chelsea.
Also, an unnamed " senior Man United source"has expressed his concern and the effects of the fraudulent acts on their prospects ( at the time in the 2010s ) of success.
The Premier League Senior Executives have a meeting tomorrow ( Thursday) which, though routine, may well be used to express comment on the verdict. I'm sure Everton and us will have something to say, especially with the Man City verdict pending ( bearing in mind they have denied any offences and dragged their heels and not co operated throughout).


I'm sure the Mr Masters who's leading the Prem in this farce will stress that the panel was independent. But his fear will be a Labour Government Sports Minister stepping in to address the imbalance between, firstly the Prem and the other English Leagues and secondly the elite group within the Premiership itself. With a 174 seat majority and work in progress legislation could well follow.
Anyway, watch this space .
By the way Ed 1, May I utilise your wide ranging expertise and knowledge on FFP to ask if the standard of proof is balance of probability as in civil cases ( ie 51 v 49 per cent) or beyond reasonable doubt, as in criminal cases ie 99%?

{Ed001's Note - balance of probability. It is classed as a civil case.}

1.) 18 Mar 2026
18 Mar 2026 18:19:35
Thanks Ed. I thought it would be in the circumstances mate ??

2.) 18 Mar 2026
18 Mar 2026 19:54:41
Another article on the BBC by Sam Drury interviewing former Chelsea executive Christian Purslow, who states the penalty was "too lenient" and "very generous." Plus, he expresses sympathy for the points deductions for us and Everton. Worth a read.
As I said, this one is bubbling away nicely...

3.) 19 Mar 2026
19 Mar 2026 08:40:14
Matthew Sayed nails it in The Times today.