By Chico Mies Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has formally accepted an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as confirmed by his media office on Wednesday, following consultations with family members, legal advisors, and political associates. According to a statement issued by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor's decision to appear before the anti-corruption agency underscores his commitment to transparency. Bello faces 19 charges related to money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion. Notably, he has sought to enforce his fundamental rights to ensure due process. The former governor has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and its anti-corruption initiatives. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had previously pledged to resign if Bello was not prosecuted, reaffirming the commission's commitment to pursuing the case to its logical conclusion.
Due to the hearing scheduled for early September on 115 alleged violations of Financial Fair Play standards, Manchester City is facing a severe risk of being demoted from the Premier League.
The club has been incredibly successful under Pep Guardiola, winning 15 major championships since his appointment in 2016, but the 2009 charges have put a shadow over the organisation.
The ramifications for Man City might be dire; according to journalist Martyn Ziegler, should the most serious claims hold up, the team might be demoted or lose a lot of ground. Similar sanctions were recently applied to other teams, including Everton and Nottingham Forest, who lost points for comparable but less serious infractions.
According to TeamTalk, the trial is estimated to take more than ten weeks, and a decision is likely in early January 2024. A court challenge about affiliated party transaction rules has been filed by City against the Premier League, and it is scheduled to be heard in the upcoming two weeks.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the odds of Man City being relegated this season have been drastically reduced from 100/1 to 28/1 amid the ongoing legal disputes.
Captain Kyle Walker of Manchester City isn't letting the uncertainty get in the way of his team's on-field success.
Walker, who spoke with BBC Radio Five before the most recent events, expressed optimism that City would win the Premier League for a fifth time in a row.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this now four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose,” Walker said.
“For us to go and do four in a row off the back of a Treble was a great achievement. Now, why can’t we go and do five in a row? That’s the motivation we have to create from us as a group of players, from me as a captain,” he added.
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