MLS will not be digging into New York City FC, despite a financial scandal involving its sister club, Manchester City, that could lead to harsh penalties levied against the Premier League powerhouse when all is said and done.
Speaking at the Front Office Sports’ “Tuned In” summit in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, MLS commissioner Don Garber told attendees that the league “was not in the business of looking what our team owners do in other leagues.”
NYCFC and Man City are both owned by City Football Group, the holding company that owns stakes in soccer clubs across the world, and last month’s ruling by an independent commission found the Premier League side guilty of more than 100 charges related to the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The news raised questions in New York over the impact it could have on the MLS side and whether the league would look into the way business is done by NYCFC.
However, Garber did not express concern over it when the topic was broached in relation to New York City FC.
“We’re fortunate that we have owners in our league that own multiple teams throughout every league. … So MLS is looking at how owners act in accordance to our rules here in Major League Soccer,” Garber said before praising City Football Group’s investment in NYCFC and the new stadium opening next to Citi Field next summer.
The MLS commish said the investment is “something we’re thankful for and appreciative of.”
“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,” he continued. “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.”
New York City has been in freefall on the pitch since the World Cup break ended, with the club winning just three matches in regular season play since the World Cup break ended.
The situation involving Manchester City also raised questions about whether young American soccer star Cavan Sullivan would change plans to go to the Premier League Club when he turns 18. The teenage star signed a contract with the Philadelphia Union in 2024 that included a pre-arranged transfer to Manchester City.
Garber said on Tuesday that any decision would be made by Sullivan, his family and Manchester City.
