Building toward the season, together! 🤝 melbournevictory.com.au/news…

More on the Sheikh Whisperer, Simon Pearce.

Simon Pearce was the architect of Manchester City's rise after helping broker Sheikh Mansour’s 2008 takeover, and was pulling the strings as City launched a series of strategies to outspend their rivals - some of which have now landed the club in deep trouble @martynziegler 🔽 thetimes.com/sport/football/…

From PR exec to Sheikh whisperer: the man at centre of Man City cheating thetimes.com/sport/football/…

If Man City fail in their appeal(s) against the commission verdict and punishment, it does raise a question: are ALL the clubs in the City Football Group MCO riddled with sham sponsorships and sham contracts that might contravene the rules in various jurisdictions?

Curiouser and curiouser As @DamianHastie points out, in 2015 the US depts of Commerce, State + Transport launched an inquiry into whether Etihad were receiving govt subsidies Etihad statement to commission was: "The assertion that the Abu Dhabi government paid for Etihad's sponsorship of English Premier League football club Manchester City is … false. In 2011, Etihad and Manchester City entered into a 10-year sponsorship agreement, which included naming rights for Manchester City's stadium. Etihad funded this sponsorship from its own liquidity’

The man who allegedly wrote ‘we can do what we want’ about the Premier League side’s finances has quietly shaped Australian football for more than a decade. Full story: bit.ly/4yudfgz

Incredible Juan Mata assist 🤤 #UCL

I’ve never been to Melbourne or Australia for that matter but my word these Melbourne Victory kits are stunning. Absolutely stunning.

The first ever Elite Eleven x Melbourne Victory jerseys are here. The home kit stays true to our traditions with a bit of EE flare. The away kit brings a new take on the iconic neon. Melbourne Born. Melbourne Worn. Shop now: victoryshop.com.au/products/…

The Treasury Committee have written to the chief executive of HM Revenue and Customs to ask about the tax implications of the Premier League’s investigation into Manchester City. HMRC could investigate whether City paid the right amount of tax and national insurance during the nine seasons they have been found guilty of financial rule breaches.

BREAKING! Sky Sports News understands that players and their representatives have contacted lawyers over potential claims against Man City. It's understood that players are consulting lawyers over missed bonuses - whether that is from missing out on a title or on European qualification.

kits, good video, great supporter gear, unbelievable

This Elite Eleven and Melbourne Victory partnership is sure to turn heads 🔥 The Big V. The fluro away kit. Superb. 📸 Elite Eleven / Melbourne Victory

The wait is officially over. The MVFC Home & Away Kits have landed and are now LIVE. Shop the kits online now → victoryshop.com.au

Pretty happy with these as first up efforts.

Manchester City cheated Premier League rules, the Commission found. Did it also cheat HMRC? We've examined the decision and leaked Mancini documents. We think City likely failed to pay £12m in tax. There should be a criminal investigation. Thread:

I mean, this email alone by Simon Pearce should be enough to sink the whole operation…

A few years ago I noticed one name appearing in many different ADUG company director listings, Simon Pearce, and I've been interested since. Today, I've uncovered all of the public facts I can find on him and it's very strange!