Van Gaal attributes his dismissal to Manchester City fraud

Louis Van Gaal, former Manchester United manager, today links his dismissal to Manchester City's financial fraud, while the independent commission's decision has shaken the 2015‑2016 Premier League.

Van Gaal's dismissal

The Dutchman told The Athletic that failing to qualify the Red Devils for the Champions League was “the decisive factor in my dismissal”, with all the suffering that followed. He was sacked less than 24 hours after his team's FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace. Van Gaal also accuses Ed Woodward of acting behind his back to prepare José Mourinho's arrival.

Manchester City's fraud

Manchester City was found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, including artificially inflating its revenues and reducing its costs. The fraud is estimated at over £900 million, or more than €1 billion. The club has appealed the decision.

At the time, the Sky Blues were in fourth place, thereby denying Manchester United, which was also fourth but with an inferior goal difference, the final qualifying spot for the Champions League.

Van Gaal believes that, had the competition been fair, his Manchester adventure could have ended more favorably. He notes that even the English Football Association cannot reverse the past.

He concludes that the final sanction must be decided by the judge, suggesting that the fallout from the fraud could still affect other clubs.