Michael Owen praises Newcastle’s financial discipline amid Manchester City rule breaches

Michael Owen has praised Newcastle United for respecting Premier League financial regulations despite their wealthy ownership, contrasting their approach with Manchester City's financial rule breaches.

City were found guilty of 114 charges by an independent panel last month but have appealed the findings, leaving the final outcome and potential sanctions unresolved.

Newcastle have substantial financial backing through Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, but spending restrictions have limited their ability to compete freely in the transfer market.

Owen believes that makes City's case particularly significant for clubs that have operated within the regulations.

Speaking about the situation, the former Newcastle and Manchester United striker said other teams had respected the rules despite possessing the resources to spend considerably more.

Referring specifically to Newcastle, he said: “They had all the money in the world.”

Owen argued that financial restrictions had prevented some clubs from mounting stronger title challenges.

Newcastle have nevertheless secured top-seven Premier League finishes in three of the five completed seasons since their Saudi-backed takeover.

City's case concerns financial charges relating to the period between 2009 and 2018.

Although the independent panel found against the club, City's appeal means the final disciplinary position remains unsettled.

Owen acknowledged that the Premier League faces difficult decisions over potential sanctions.

Possible outcomes discussed include fines, points deductions, transfer restrictions and even the removal of past titles, although no final punishment has been confirmed.

The former England international also raised concerns about how retrospective sanctions could affect football records and achievements involving other clubs and players.

Nevertheless, he stressed that meaningful consequences would be necessary if the findings were upheld.

For Owen, the priority is reaching a fair conclusion that protects both the competition's integrity and its history.

Manchester City's appeal will determine whether the findings are upheld and what sanctions may follow. Newcastle and other Premier League clubs will be watching closely as the competition addresses the wider implications of the case.