22 January 2024 , 11:25
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Manchester City's recent meeting with the UK government about the football white paper didn't involve discussions of their Premier League charges, it has been claimed, but the exact content of the meeting remains a mystery.
Back in May, City Football Group's general counsel Simon Cliff met with sports minister Stuart Andrew. However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has denied a freedom of information request to make the minutes of their conversations public.
Investigative journalist Russell Scott shared the outcome of his request over the weekend, sharing a response from the DCMS which cites a fear that making such matter public could prompt attendees to "withhold sensitive but important information". However, the response did confirm Andrew and Cliff attended the meeting, along with DCMS head of sport Adam Conant.
Earlier in January, Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirmed a date has been set for City's meeting regarding their 115 charges in relation to the competition's financial rules. However, this date has also not been made public, and City have protested their innocence on the matter.
The government's response, published by Scott, lays out the reasons given for refusing to provide the requested details in full. It suggests “the information would or would likely inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation”, though The Telegraph cites sources claiming the government is 'adamant' the Premier League charges weren't covered.
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“This is a qualified exemption and the department is obliged to consider the full public interest arguments for the information we hold,” the response shared by Scott continues. It adds that transparency was a consideration, along with "the more specific public interest of insight into ministerial meetings," before laying out reasons for the full request not being met.
"We considered the strong public interest in protecting the 'safe space' around stakeholders in which it is essential for attendees to be able to discuss matters candidly. In particular, we consider release of the information would be likely to impact on this 'safe space' and would be likely to dissuade attendees from being frank and honest," the reply continues. "If attendees are concerned that their views and opinions raised in meetings will be released, they may be reluctant to contribute to meetings, or may withhold sensitive but important information”.
Do you agree with the government's reasoning? Have your say in the comments section
Manchester City are the reigning Premier League champions (Getty Images)According to The Telegraph, the finer details of the charges are not known to the government. Additionally, City are not understood to be the only Premier League club to have met with the DCMS in relation to the White Paper, published in February 2023.
Ahead of the publication of the White Paper, MP Tracey Crouch spoke of a "big day for football". "I am delighted the Government has acted on the key strategic recommendations in my review," added the former sports minister, who earlier headed up a fan-led review of the game.
"The introduction of a new independent regulator of football will strengthen our incredible pyramid, giving investors, fans and communities confidence in the governance of our clubs, enabling them to thrive in the best leagues in the world," Crouch added. "Football is nothing without its fans, and the announcement today will ensure they remain at its heart while it continues to grow at home and abroad."