HomeExclusives Fri 21 June 2024 12:00, UK
Aston Villa's former chief Keith Wyness has insisted owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris won't back Man City in their legal fight against the Premier League.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs -claimed the Midlands club "can't match" Abu Dhabi-backed City if there is a move towards "freedom of spending" in the top flight.
Sawiris has recently admitted Aston Villa are considering legal action against Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after Football Insider revealed (7 June) the club must raise PS60million in player sales this summer to balance the books.
Man City have also pursued legal action against the Premier League regarding the Associated Party Transaction rules currently in place - with the English champions claiming the regulations are "unlawful".
If successful, City will be able to boost revenue and bypass PSR by securing inflated sponsorship deals with linked companies.
Aston Villa 'can't match' Man City spending power, says Wyness Wyness claimed American owners in the top flight won't want a "complete lack of financial accountability" despite Sawiris' recent threats.
He told Football Insider's Insider Track podcast: "I don't know what the politics of it are, but I don't think Aston Villa would back Man City in this.
"Sawiris and Edens, while they've got deep pockets, they can't match what Abu Dhabi have got in terms of tourist boards and other potential deals.
"It's a unique situation that City have got themselves in.
"I don't think many of the clubs will want to see a complete lack of financial accountability and a lack of restraints.
"American owners will want control. When the salary cap was put on the NFL, value of the franchises went through the roof - they'll remember that.
"I don't think there will be a rush towards freedom of spending, I think it will be the opposite."
In other news, Aston Villa to sell first-XI star after Ian Maatsen news, says expert.