MLS Commissioner Confirms No Investigation into NYCFC Amid Man City Scandal
Don Garber states Major League Soccer will not scrutinize New York City FC's operations despite its parent company's financial issues in the Premier League.
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has confirmed that the league will not launch an investigation into New York City FC (NYCFC) in light of the financial scandal involving its sister club, Manchester City. The Premier League club faces potential penalties after being found guilty of over 100 charges related to financial regulations.
Speaking at the Front Office Sports’ “Tuned In” summit in Manhattan, Garber stated that MLS is "not in the business of looking what our team owners do in other leagues." NYCFC and Manchester City are both owned by the City Football Group, a global entity that holds stakes in multiple soccer clubs worldwide.
The ruling against Manchester City has raised questions about the potential impact on its MLS counterpart and whether the league would examine NYCFC's business practices. However, Garber emphasized that MLS focuses on how owners adhere to its own rules within Major League Soccer.
Garber acknowledged and expressed appreciation for City Football Group's investment in NYCFC, including the upcoming new stadium set to open next summer adjacent to Citi Field. He noted that the concept of multiple team ownership is common and managed through each league's own governance structures.
"We’re fortunate that we have owners in our league that own multiple teams throughout every league," Garber said. "So MLS is looking at how owners act in accordance to our rules here in Major League Soccer."
He added, "But we’re not in the business of looking what our team owners do in other leagues and frankly, I don’t think any league would view what other owners do when they have multiple investments throughout other sports. The concept of multiple team ownership is something that we all live through, manage through and have our own governance as it relates to what their behavior is."
The situation has also brought attention to young American soccer player Cavan Sullivan, whose pre-arranged transfer to Manchester City upon turning 18 has come under scrutiny. Garber indicated that any decisions regarding Sullivan's future would be made by the player, his family, and Manchester City.