UEFA FFP investigation - CAS decision to be announced Monday, 13th July 9.30am BST

[bobbyowenquiff]

Bizarre. We did breach FFP rules and were sanctioned for it.

My understanding is that we will be asked to present our case, which we weren't able to do before the case was passed to the Adjudicatory Chamber. Despite that they tried to get us to accept a token punishment, which we refused to do. We will not accept that we did anything wrong and therefore won't agree to any punishment. And that's from the top.

If this happens it will confirm what we all suspect. That the selective leaks to the media last autumn claiming that we faced an imminent ban from Europe were essentially fake news and part of a smear orchestrated by our much loved title rivals. The only outlet that seems to have backpedalled on those false stories to any major extent so far is The Times. I can't wait for the media investigation into how the dirty tricks campaign was carried out and whether it is linked to the hacking of our data and the cheating scandal which has rocked baseball in the USA. I am not holding my breath even though it would be a sensational story for the New York Times if they decided to get stuck into it.

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

If this happens it will confirm what we all suspect. That the selective leaks to the media last autumn claiming that we faced an imminent ban from Europe were essentially fake news and part of a smear orchestrated by our much loved title rivals. The only outlet that seems to have backpedalled on those false stories to any major extent so far is The Times. I can't wait for the media investigation into how the dirty tricks campaign was carried out and whether it is linked to the hacking of our data and the cheating scandal which has rocked baseball in the USA. I am not holding my breath even though it would be a sensational story for the New York Times if they decided to get stuck into it.

It is all linked. Absolutely it is. When those stories first came out, I tended to believe them as they appeared well-sourced. But the more I learned, the more convinced I became that they were planted to try to influence events.

For one thing, I learned that Tariq Panja at the NYT was almost certainly being briefed by David Gill. I've also since become aware that UEFA is piggy in the middle between the clubs (and we know who they are) who want to damage us and thoswe who would like this to go away (which obviously includes us but also others on the UEFA Executive who are reluctant for the organisation to be used as part of a vendetta against us by certain clubs). Also, as I've already said, our dirty linen has been washed in public, via Football Leaks and Der Spiegel, whereas UEFA's is still safely locked in the laundry room. but if we go nuclear, that all comes out in court and they won't look good.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

It is all linked. Absolutely it is. When those stories first came out, I tended to believe them as they appeared well-sourced. But the more I learned, the more convinced I became that they were planted to try to influence events.

For one thing, I learned that Tariq Panja at the NYT was almost certainly being briefed by David Gill. I've also since become aware that UEFA is piggy in the middle between the clubs (and we know who they are) who want to damage us and thoswe who would like this to go away (which obviously includes us but also others on the UEFA Executive who are reluctant for the organisation to be used as part of a vendetta against us by certain clubs). Also, as I've already said, our dirty linen has been washed in public, via Football Leaks and Der Spiegel, whereas UEFA's is still safely locked in the laundry room. but if we go nuclear, that all comes out in court and they won't look good.

Panja's coverage has mostly been accurate but the UK media have mostly been wildly off the mark. I am certain that the original Times story (backing up claims we were facing a ban) came to them indirectly from a Liverpool FC source but started in the UEFA committee itself. I didn't know that Gill was also involved not least because United have got little to gain from Liverpool's ongoing success. I agree with you that UEFA are in an impossible situation and we hold a lot of the Ace cards. The Pinto case could also blow up like a nuclear bomb.

 

[FordBlue]

We all know that whatever the outcome we will still be considered guilty in the eyes of the masses. The damage is already done. I can already see once we get acquitted there will be talk of bribes from the Sheik etc etc...

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Panja's coverage has mostly been accurate but the UK media have mostly been wildly off the mark. I am certain that the original Times story (backing up claims we were facing a ban) came to them indirectly from a Liverpool FC source but started in the UEFA committee itself. I didn't know that Gill was also involved not least because United have got little to gain from Liverpool's ongoing success. I agree with you that UEFA are in an impossible situation and we hold a lot of the Ace cards. The Pinto case could also blow up like a nuclear bomb.

Gill's involvement shouldn't be a surprise as this isn't a rivalry thing between Liverpool & United but more the US owners versus Abu Dhabi. We're spoiling thir plan to make the PL more like the NFL, where they can manage the financial arms race and maximise returns rather than having to spend, spend and spend again just to compete. The problem is that the PL isn't like the NFL as the NFL doesn't have the equivalent of the CL (unless you class the post-season knock-out for the Superbowl as the CL equivalent). They're upset therefore that we've forced two of those US owned clubs out of the top 4 which obviously impairs the value of their investments.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

Gill's involvement shouldn't be a surprise as this isn't a rivalry thing between Liverpool & United but more the US owners versus Abu Dhabi. We're spoiling thir plan to make the PL more like the NFL, where they can manage the financial arms race and maximise returns rather than having to spend, spend and spend again just to compete. The problem is that the PL isn't like the NFL as the NFL doesn't have the equivalent of the CL (unless you class the post-season knock-out for the Superbowl as the CL equivalent). They're upset therefore that we've forced two of those US owned clubs out of the top 4 which obviously impairs the value of their investments.

Yes we are being caught up in a proxy war. I wonder what will happen when the Saudis take over United. Perhaps both Manchester clubs will then gang up on Liverpool! Meanwhile one of our silver linings this season is that Liverpool's revival is doing immense damage globally to United's fanbase. That's something we should be able to exploit in our home city, at least in terms of attracting sponsors. Another five years of failure for United will put them in a very vulnerable position. I hope the Glazers hang on.

 

[Eds]

I think over the next 12 months there will be people who will be quietly fading into the background as if nothing ever happened. But as was said in the end of term report 'we know'. Can wait for the proverbial fan to be hit

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Meanwhile one of our silver linings this season is that Liverpool's revival is doing immense damage globally to United's fanbase. That's something we should be able to exploit in our home city, at least in terms of attracting sponsors. Another five years of failure for United will put them in a very vulnerable position. I hope the Glazers hang on.

I don't think the Glazers really need any help from Liverpool to damage their fanbase. They seem to be managing to do that quite well on their own.

 

[BluessinceHydeRoad]

It is all linked. Absolutely it is. When those stories first came out, I tended to believe them as they appeared well-sourced. But the more I learned, the more convinced I became that they were planted to try to influence events.

For one thing, I learned that Tariq Panja at the NYT was almost certainly being briefed by David Gill. I've also since become aware that UEFA is piggy in the middle between the clubs (and we know who they are) who want to damage us and thoswe who would like this to go away (which obviously includes us but also others on the UEFA Executive who are reluctant for the organisation to be used as part of a vendetta against us by certain clubs). Also, as I've already said, our dirty linen has been washed in public, via Football Leaks and Der Spiegel, whereas UEFA's is still safely locked in the laundry room. but if we go nuclear, that all comes out in court and they won't look good.

Gill's involvement shouldn't be a surprise as this isn't a rivalry thing between Liverpool & United but more the US owners versus Abu Dhabi. We're spoiling thir plan to make the PL more like the NFL, where they can manage the financial arms race and maximise returns rather than having to spend, spend and spend again just to compete. The problem is that the PL isn't like the NFL as the NFL doesn't have the equivalent of the CL (unless you class the post-season knock-out for the Superbowl as the CL equivalent). They're upset therefore that we've forced two of those US owned clubs out of the top 4 which obviously impairs the value of their investments.

As a City fan I agree with every word you have written here, PB, largely because it explains in a logical manner and establishes a unifying theme for events over a period of time. Unfortunately I have no evidence at all for much of this and so I ask what your evidence is that Gill is/was briefing Panja, that UEFA's Executive is split,and that UEGA's dirty linen will come out in court, but perhaps more importantly what is this dirty linen and how bad will it make UEFA look/ what damage will it do. As much or as little as you feel you can disclose will do. I'd also appreciate some idea of the evidence of collusion between the American mafia in the PL.

I think what really grabs the attention from these posts is that you are very respected on here for your moderate, balanced and clearly thought out opinions, PB, but these posts are real dynamite.

 

[SilverFox2]

I think it is reasonable to assume that our well connected owner will have been collecting real evidence against our enemies.
I remember early days on the original FFP thread being educated by members here who I grew to respect for their vision and knowledge.
Perhaps our owners will not have to fire all the bullets at their disposal, perhaps they are comfortable just seeing their investment mature despite the cartel and the fake news?
I hope not and trust that the finger is firmly pointed in the right direction and certain people are financially ruined and politically damaged for assuming they can take on our very powerful owners without retribution.