Tag Archives: affairs

Nick Faldo says Tiger Woods" issues have stopped him being best ever golfer

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Woods' indiscretions have stopped him being the best ever golfer, says Faldo

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UPDATED:

14:31 GMT, 11 November 2012

Tiger Woods' extra-marital affairs have ruined his chances of becoming the best golfer in history, Nick Faldo has claimed.

The American was widely tipped to beat Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships after making a stunning start to his career, but is still to win a major title after revelations about his private life emerged almost three years ago.

Woods took a four-month break from golf after admitting cheating on his wife, and he has struggled to impress since returning to action.

At risk: Tiger Woods chances of being the best golfer ever have been damaged, according to Nick Faldo

At risk: Tiger Woods chances of being the best golfer ever have been damaged, according to Nick Faldo

He has not added to the 14 majors he won before the sex scandal erupted and Faldo, himself a six-time major winner, thinks Woods stands next to no chance of eclipsing Nicklaus' record, which has stood since 1986.

When asked about Woods' chances of winning 18 majors or more, Faldo told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: 'I think it's slim. I would lean towards no.

'It has been four years since he last won at the US Open.'

Faldo thinks the psychological strife caused by the news of his affairs continue to haunt Woods three years on and he believes they will continue to do so for the rest of his life.

'(The revelations) have done more damage than people would give them credit for,' Faldo said.

Strong views: Faldo is a golf pundit and player

Strong views: Faldo is a golf pundit and player

'People thought he would deal with it and then get back on the golf course.

'It's wrecked that wonderful tranquility you get of going to a golf course, tipping out a bag of balls and hitting them from 9-5 and just thinking of golf.

'When you're a golfer that is great. But now… He has shattered that peace. He won't get that back. Once you lose that concentration and that ability to become completely engrossed in your golf… then slowly things have changed for him.

'His swing… physically, technically, mentally, karma… it's a harder climb right now. Sure, he could come back and do things, but he won't be dominant like he was.'

And with Woods turning 37 next month, Faldo thinks age is also catching up with the American.

'As you get older in this game, the little demons start to sit on your shoulders because you have seen one too many bad shots at the wrong time and it starts to eat away at you and I think he has a little bit of that going on,' Faldo added.

Feeling it: Woods turns 37 next month and Faldo says his age is catching up with him

Feeling it: Woods turns 37 next month and Faldo says his age is catching up with him

One man who has stepped in to the limelight as Woods has faded is Rory McIlroy.

Despite being 23, McIlroy has already won two majors and Faldo thinks the Northern Irishman is set for even bigger things, providing he resists the temptation to play in every lucrative tournament on the tour.

'I have been very impressed with Rory. He is a special kid,' Faldo said.

'There has only been Jack (Nicklaus), Seve (Ballesteros) and Tiger who have won two majors before they were 25, and now there's Rory.

'It puts him in a very special category. There always will be pitfalls for him. He is already feeling it. He is in demand. You can't please everyone.

'You have to be your own boss. He has to pace himself and do all the right things himself. He has 20-odd years left in the game.'

G4S nominated for award despite London 2012 Olympics security failure

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Sports Agenda Extra: We needed troops to step in yet G4S could land 2012 Games gong

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UPDATED:

12:05 GMT, 5 November 2012

Bungling security firm G4S, who caused by far the most problems at London 2012, are remarkably on the short-list for a prestigious honour for their botched Olympic work.

The beleaguered company, who failed by massive numbers to provide enough temporary security staff for the Games – the shortfall being 35 per cent on the worst days – are somehow among the finalists at the International Sports Event Management's awards dinner on Wednesday at London's Cumberland Hotel.

National service: Armed Forces had to step in following the failure of contracted security firm G4S to provide 10,000 trained security staff for the Games

National service: Armed Forces had to step in following the failure of contracted security firm G4S to provide 10,000 trained security staff for the Games

To make G4S's appearance at the flagship occasion even more unlikely, their entry relates to setting up temporary accommodation for the army during the Olympics.

And the military only had to be called in because G4S had failed by such a huge margin to train and provide the necessary personnel contracted in the 236m deal.

Speaking up: G4S chief executive Nick Buckles, gives evidence on Olympic security staffing to the Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons earlier this year

Speaking up: G4S (below) chief executive Nick Buckles, gives evidence on Olympic security staffing to the Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons earlier this year

Private security guards G4S secure the entrance to Alexander Stadium, the US athletics team training camp for the London 2012 Olympic Games

One insider described G4S as 'deluded' for even entering the Event Overlay and Facilities award category although it was considered inconceivable that they would win.

The other more worthy short-listed candidates are London 2012 and caterers PKL Group for Games related achievements and De Boer International for the Qatar Masters golf.

Rory McIlroy poised to sign 156m deal to replace Tiger Woods as face of Nike

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McIlroy poised to sign 156m deal to replace Woods as face of Nike

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UPDATED:

08:55 GMT, 24 October 2012

Rory McIlroy has taken over from Tiger Woods as world No 1… and now the 23-year-old Northern Irishman is set to replace the fallen superstar as the face of golf for Nike.

McIlroy is poised to sign a staggering
10-year deal worth 156miilion with the American sportswear giants when
his present contract with golf equipment firm Titleist finishes at the end of December.

Clean cut: World No 1 Rory McIlroy

Clean cut: World No 1 Rory McIlroy

Woods is currently paid 12.5m a year by Nike but his 'family-man' image has been tarnished by revelations of his extra-marital affairs.

McIlroy, 23, who takes on Woods in an exhibition match in China on Monday, was coy over the deal.

'I’ve never been motivated by money,' said McIlroy. 'All the business stuff will work itself out. What I want is more trophies.

Star appeal: Tiger Woods is still a favourite with fans

Star appeal: Tiger Woods is still a favourite with fans

'I leave it to Conor [Ridge, McIlroy’s manager] to sort out as it leaves
me to concentrate on my golf. I have enough to think about trying to
get the ball in the hole. I’ve got a very important end to my season
coming up.'

Dublin-based Ridge, who moved another of his players, Ross Fisher, to
Nike from Titleist earlier this season, refused to confirm the move.

He
said: 'Rory is under contract with Titleist. It is our policy not to
pass comment regarding any industry speculation related to our players.'

According to SportPro Media survey,
McIlroy is now the second most marketable athlete in the world, behind
Brazilian football star Neymar.

Dream couple: McIlroy with his girlfriend, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki

Dream couple: McIlroy with his girlfriend, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki

McIlroy already earns an eight-figure income from his current list of
sponsors, which include the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, Oakley,
watchmaker Audemars Piguet and bank Santander.

For many years Woods has been 'the face' of Nike but clean-cut Rory is being groomed as the fallen superstar’s eventual replacement.

And with Lance Armstrong’s career imploding in disgrace, Nike need to make the right call.

The company have been described by Forbes magazine as the most valuable sports brand in the world, worth 10bn.

Hillsborough investigation: Police can"t cope with investigation say MPs

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Police can't cope with scope of Hillsborough investigation, claim MPs

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UPDATED:

22:24 GMT, 22 October 2012

Questions were raised on Monday night about the ability of the police watchdog to cope with its own investigation in to the Hillsborough disaster.

MPs said they were concerned the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) did not have the resources or manpower to handle the investigation on its own as it emerged it had been given the names of 1,444 officers, including the identities of 304 who are still serving.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the investigation could not be run just by the watchdog, while Keith Vaz, Labour chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said there was a 'problem in respect of resources'.

Investigation: Justice for the 96 is on its way

Investigation: Justice for the 96 is on its way

Speaking during a debate in the Commons, Ms Cooper said: 'It is clear this investigation cannot be done solely by the IPCC, they have neither the powers nor the resources to do so… these investigations are beyond the scale of anything the IPCC have done before and it will also require powers that the IPCC simply doesn't have.'

The watchdog was asked to investigate South Yorkshire Police's role in the disaster which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans during a crush at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium in April 1989.

The damning Hillsborough Independent Panel report revealed a cover-up took place to shift the blame on to the victims and that 41 of the lives lost could have been saved.

Meanwhile, Mr Vaz said he favoured the idea of a special prosecutor being appointed to look at all the cases and to act as a co-ordination point.

He added: 'As I said to the House earlier, 1,444 names have been sent to the IPCC, of that 304 are still serving officers at South Yorkshire.

'So immediately when you look at the numbers of names that have been referred there will be a problem in respect of resources.

'I think that we should not wait for the IPCC to come and see the Home Secretary, actually a meeting needs to be convened pretty quickly to ask them what they need and to give them the resources that they need.'

Home Secretary Theresa May said she would work with Labour to see if new laws were needed to compel former officers to co-operate with the IPCC.

Tributes: Flowers left at the Hillsborough memorial

Tributes: Flowers left at the Hillsborough memorial

'This includes proposals to require current and ex-police officers who were maybe witnesses to a crime to attend an interview, and whether this might require fast-track legislation,' she said.

Speaking during the opening of a Commons debate on the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report, Mrs May added: 'There is the IPCC investigation and there is also the investigation that is taking place by the DPP.

'If he believes that wider investigation is necessary the Home Office will make resource available under the ambit of the incoming National Crime Agency, with an investigator who is completely separate and has no connection whatever with these particular issues.'

Solidarity: An on-pitch tribute at Goodison Park

Solidarity: An on-pitch tribute at Goodison Park

Her comments came after Attorney General Dominic Grieve last week asked the High Court to consider ordering fresh inquests into the 96 deaths after the report concluded some fans could have survived if emergency services had responded sooner.

Conservative Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) said West Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison, who has been referred to the IPCC, should be suspended.

'In order for the public to have faith in this investigation he should be suspended,' Mr Shelbrooke said.

Labour
former home secretary David Blunkett said any investigation must not
focus on the ordinary officers who made an accurate note of what
happened at Hillsborough only to have them altered on the orders of
senior officers.

Mr Blunkett said: 'What is absolutely sure is that the cover-up has to be revealed to make sure we don't have it again. It's about culture and it's about perception. You see, on that day, the fact that 116 officers had written down what they believe to have taken place and had their testimony altered is testament to what they were trying to do in telling the truth.

'It was the scandal of those in senior management within the force and from West Midlands force… that actually overrode their decency and honesty in the cases where those scripts were altered.'

Bernie Ecclestone faces bribery probe

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F1 supremo Ecclestone faces bribery probe by German prosecutors

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UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 27 June 2012

Bernie Ecclestone faces an anxious wait to discover if he is to be charged by German authorities after a banker was found guilty in a Munich court of taking bribes from the Formula One supremo.

Gerhard Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to receiving 28million in corrupt payments during the sale of German bank BayernLB’s stake in F1 to CVC Capital Partners in 2005.

Probe: Ecclestone faces an investigation by German prosecutors

Probe: Ecclestone faces an investigation by German prosecutors

German prosecutors argued the money was paid to Gribkowsky, the former chief risk officer of Bayern LB, to ensure the sale went through.

Summing up the prosecutors’ case, Christoph Rodler said Ecclestone’s ‘life’s work’ in F1 could have been in jeopardy had CVC not purchased Bayern LB’s 48 per cent stake.

Giving evidence in the trial last year, Ecclestone, 81, said he had paid Gribkowsky because he was being blackmailed by the banker over his tax affairs, although he claimed to have only handed over around 10m.

The threat centred on what Ecclestone insists is a false claim that he had control over a family trust operated by his then wife Slavica. Ecclestone feared the resulting legal battle could last years and cost him billions.

Denial: Ecclestone claims he only handed over 10million

Denial: Ecclestone claims he only handed over 10million

That argument was rejected by Rodler, who said in court yesterday that Ecclestone was ‘not the victim of extortion but the accomplice in an act of bribery’. Presiding judge Peter Noll described Ecclestone as the ‘driving force’ behind the payments.

Ecclestone, the chief executive of F1, remains under investigation by the German authorities but has yet to be charged with any offence.

He said of the verdict: ‘I think Mr Gribkowsky told them what he thought he had to tell them. I don’t think I should (face further action) but you don’t know, do you’

Reports in Germany claim that Mercedes, whose engines power the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, could pull out of the sport should he be found guilty of bribery as Daimler, their parent company, have a policy of not dealing with criminals.

Sir Chris Hoy launches defence of tax affairs after receiving loan from his own company

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Hoy launches defence of tax affairs after receiving loan from his own company

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UPDATED:

13:41 GMT, 23 June 2012

Sir Chris Hoy has defended his tax arrangements after it was reported that he received a loan from his own company.

Britain's most successful Olympic cyclist said neither he nor his company disguised remuneration and insisted that he takes his responsibilities as a taxpayer 'as seriously as I do as an athlete'.

He admitted taking a loan from his company in 2010 but said it was repaid in full in October 2011, adding that the practice is standard in most small companies in the country.

Fierce defence: Sir Chris Hoy has said he has done nothing wrong

Fierce defence: Sir Chris Hoy has said he has done nothing wrong

'The dividends that I took to repay the loan were in fact taxed at the highest rate,' he said.

'I saw an opportunity to buy property and with the guidance of my advisers I borrowed money from my company to do so. The loan was subsequently repaid shortly thereafter by declaration of fully taxable dividends.

'Everything I have done is as a UK resident, and is UK taxable and not offshore.'

Hoy said he felt compelled to respond when The Guardian published a story about his financial affairs.

His income-generating activities are organised through a UK-registered tax-paying company, and as such his finances are transparent and in the public domain, he pointed out.

On track: Hoy has come under scrutiny following a newspaper report into his tax affairs

On track: Hoy has come under scrutiny following a newspaper report into his tax affairs

Sir Chris, 36, whose firm is Trackstars Limited, has received lottery funding. This stopped in October 2008 however.

'I am very proudly British and my responsibilities as a British sportsman do not stop once I step off the bike,' he said.

'I take my responsibilities as a taxpayer as seriously as I do as an athlete.'

His unusual decision to speak out about his financial affairs comes after comedian Jimmy Carr hit the headlines for using a complex scheme to avoid paying HM Revenue and Customs.

Proud Briton: Hoy

Proud Briton: Hoy

David Cameron joined a chorus of criticism of Carr whose tax arrangements were disclosed in The Times on Tuesday.

Describing them as 'straightforward tax avoidance', the Prime Minister said it was unfair on the people who pay to watch the comic perform that he was not paying his taxes in the same way that they did.

On Thursday Carr bowed to pressure and
issued a statement apologising for his actions, saying he had 'made a
terrible error of judgment'.

It
was also alleged this week that Take That stars Gary Barlow, Howard
Donald and Mark Owen, and the band's manager Jonathan Wild, invested at
least 26million in a scheme run by Icebreaker Management Services which
says it works within the law.

Sir
Chris said he hopes the claims about his own tax affairs did not affect
'the British support I know I will need to perform at my best in
London'.

He will carry the Olympic torch into Manchester city centre after it travels from the Lancastrian coast on day 36 of the relay.

Euro 2012: Danny Welbeck – 7 things you didn"t know

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Seven things you didn't know about England goal hero Welbeck

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UPDATED:

23:05 GMT, 15 June 2012

Full name Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck – but everyone knows him simply as Danny.

His parents (Victor and Elizabeth, both social workers) are Ghanaian. The Ghanaian FA reportedly tried to sign him up before he played for England at junior level. He made his England debut as a late sub in the home friendly against Ghana in March 2011. He was booed by a section of the away fans.

Cheeky: Danny Welbeck scores England's winner

Cheeky: Danny Welbeck scores England's winner

He was rejected by Manchester City as an eight-year-old. ‘City custard-pied me as a kid,’ he said in March this year.

He was first spotted by Manchester United as a six-year-old and, later as a 13-year-old, he featured in a Manchester United coaching video being tutored by Ruud van Nistelrooy. Check it out on YouTube, it’s called ‘Play It Like A Champion’.

His favourite meal is Nandos — like a lot of footballers — but he admits he’s nervous eating in public and prefers takeaway.

Danny joy: Welbeck celebrates

Danny joy: Welbeck celebrates

He’s a clever boy — he left school with nine GCSEs at C or above, including As in English literature and maths.

His business affairs are looked after by his savvy brothers. Brother Chris — Danny’s the youngest of three — negotiated loan moves for him to Preston and Sunderland, Sir Alex Ferguson described those spells as ‘the making of him’.

Rangers CVA deal rejected

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Blow for Rangers as CVA deal denied… leaving club in danger of liquidationUEFA will ban a 'new' Rangers from European competition for three years
SPL clubs will vote on whether Rangers can stay in the league

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UPDATED:

11:03 GMT, 12 June 2012

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have told Rangers they will vote against a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

Charles Green, who is leading the Sevco consortium aiming to acquire the club, confirmed the news about the CVA deal on Tuesday.

UEFA will ban the club from entry into European competition and SPL clubs will vote on whether they can remain in Scotland's top flight.

Blow: The CVA deal will not be allowed

Blow: The CVA deal will not be allowed

HMRC's 'no' vote is enough to deal a
fatal blow to the CVA proposal and Green will now push ahead with plans
to buy the club's assets and form a new company.

Green said in a statement: 'I am
hugely disappointed by the decision of HMRC not to support the CVA
proposal and that disappointment will be felt acutely by Rangers fans
across the world.'

HMRC, who are currently owed more than
21million, believe their decision to force liquidation will allow them
to pursue individuals for the debt.

A statement from the tax authority
read: 'A liquidation provides the best opportunity to protect taxpayers,
by allowing the potential investigation and pursuit of possible claims
against those responsible for the company's financial affairs in recent
years.

'A CVA would restrict the scope of such action.

'Moreover the liquidation route does
not prejudice the proposed sale of the club. This sale can take place
either through a CVA or a liquidation.

'So the sale is not being undermined, it simply takes a different route.

'Liquidation will enable a sale of the
football assets to be made to a new company, thereby ensuring that
football will continue at Ibrox.

'It also means that the new company will be free from claims or litigation in a way which would not be achievable with a CVA.

The decision brings into doubt the continued existence of an Ibrox club competing in the Scottish Premier League.

Takeover turmoil: Rangers future hangs in the balance

Takeover turmoil: Rangers future hangs in the balance

If Green forms a new company, he will have to apply to the SPL to acquire Rangers' share in the competition. The clubs themselves will decide whether to accept.

A new Rangers would not be able to compete in Europe for three years under UEFA rules.

Green said: 'Frankly, I do not see what benefit will be achieved by this decision.

'My consortium's offer for a CVA amounted to a total of 8.5million.

'Now that we will have to complete the purchase via the formation of a newco, the purchase price and therefore the amount available to creditors will be 5.5million.

'I can understand HMRC deciding that football clubs which do not pay their taxes need to be punished, but by effectively banning Rangers from Europe for three years all that will happen is that there will be less revenue generated by the club and consequently less money paid over to the taxman.

'Also, I do not believe that by opting to vote against the CVA proposal, HMRC will generate more cash by pursuing those they believe as responsible – but that is a matter for them.'

Green said he would explore ways of allowing the club's 26,000 shareholders to buy into his new company.

What next Rangers face liquidation

What next Rangers face liquidation

He added: 'The solemn promise I can make to Rangers fans today is that this club will continue as Rangers Football Club and will continue to play at Ibrox Stadium.

'We will be liaising with the football authorities at the earliest opportunity to establish our position regarding the SPL.

'I, along with my investors who believe that Rangers can have a bright future, will fight tooth and nail to ensure the club recovers from this catastrophic phase in its proud history.

'The fans deserve better and we will work tirelessly to realise their ambitions.'

Rangers' administrators, Duff and Phelps, confirmed a 'binding' sale and purchase agreement with Green would now come into effect.

In a statement, joint-administrator Paul Clark said: 'As we have always stated, administrators have a primary objective to ensure the survival of the company and in this case, this would have been achieved through a CVA.

'It was with HMRC's approval, that a proposal was placed before creditors for consideration.

Men for the job: Paul Clarke and David Whitehouse from Duff & Phelps administrators

Men for the job: Paul Clarke and David Whitehouse from Duff & Phelps administrators

'However, it is the commercial view that the level offered within the CVA was not enough to merit departure from their normal policy of seeking a detailed investigation via a liquidator.

'However, we have been left in no doubt by HMRC the fundamental reason for the rejection of the CVA proposal is the historical non-compliance with tax liabilities by the former owners and directors of the club.'

Clark said Green's consortium will move to acquire the club's assets immediately after the formal rejection of the CVA proposal at a creditors' meeting at Ibrox on Thursday morning.

'That transaction will be completed within a few days,' Clark added.

'The sum payable to creditors will be 5.5million, most of which has already been paid over to us by the Green consortium.

'Over the coming months, we as administrators will continue to finalise the administration of the club and we will work in conjunction with BDO, who will undertake the liquidation process.

'While the club will continue to face difficulties in the short term, it will survive and continue to play at Ibrox.'

More to follow.

FULL DUFF & PHELPS ADMINISTRATORS STATEMENT

We have been informed by HMRC they will not support the proposal for a Company Voluntary Arrangement at the meeting of creditors on Thursday, June 14.

As a result of this decision, the Sale and Purchase Agreement in place with the consortium led by Charles Green will take effect and Rangers Football Club will continue within a new company structure.

The reasons HMRC have given to us for their decision to vote against the proposal are as follows. HMRC has cited its general policy of not agreeing to a CVA where there is strong evidence of non-compliance by a company with its tax liabilities.

HMRC had agreed to consider a CVA proposal along with all other options in the case of Rangers but having taken into consideration the extent of funds which will be made available to creditors through the CVA option, they have decided that it is not acceptable given The Rangers Football Club plc's level of indebtedness to HMRC.

It has also been made clear to us that other offers tendered for the Club, which took the form of a CVA, would have been treated in the same way and that the rejection is not a reflection of the Green consortium bid.

HMRC has taken the view that the public interest will be better served with the liquidation of The Rangers Football Club plc as a corporate entity. The Club will continue to operate as it has always done but within a new company structure.

HMRC consider that the decision will enable a liquidator to instigate a wider investigation into all of the financial affairs and management of the Club in recent years and to bring to task those they believe are responsible for its collapse.

Furthermore, HMRC believes there will be an enhanced recovery of funds for creditors by pursuing those individuals who they believe are responsible.

The consequence of the rejection of a CVA outcome is that sanctions will be applied to the Club by UEFA and that the Club will not be able to participate in Europe for three years and the new company will need the consent of the other SPL clubs to the transfer of the share in the SPL, in order for Rangers to continue playing in the SPL.

As we have always stated, administrators have a primary objective to ensure the survival of the company and in this case, this would have been achieved through a CVA.

It was with HMRC’s approval, that a proposal was placed before creditors for consideration. However, it is the commercial view that the level offered within the CVA was not enough to merit departure from their normal policy of seeking a detailed investigation via a liquidator.

However, we have been left in no doubt by HMRC the fundamental reason for the rejection of the CVA proposal is the historical non-compliance with tax liabilities by the former owners and directors of the Club.

As we have stated previously, there is a binding contract between ourselves as administrators and Charles Green, who is leading a consortium to acquire the Club.

The creditors’ and shareholders’ meetings will take place at Ibrox on Thursday but the results of those meetings will now be entirely academic given HMRC’s decision.

As soon as the CVA proposal is formally rejected, Mr Green’s consortium will move towards completion of an acquisition of the business and assets of The Rangers Football Club plc. That transaction will be completed within a few days. The sum payable to creditors will be 5.5 million, most of which has already been paid over to us by the Green consortium.

Over the coming months, we as administrators will continue to finalise the administration of the Club and we will work in conjunction with BDO who will undertake the liquidation process.

We would like to thank the staff and supporters at Rangers for their great determination and professionalism during a very difficult period for the Club. While the Club will continue to face difficulties in the short term, it will survive and continue to play at Ibrox.

Patrice Evra: Manchester United losing title will not mark end of era

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Sun won't set on United era: Evra bullish despite Man City's impending crowning glory

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UPDATED:

13:08 GMT, 7 May 2012

Manchester United skipper Patrice Evra believes that should the club lose their Barclays Premier League crown to rivals City it will not mark the 'end of an empire'.

Despite Sunday’s 2-0 win over Swansea, it is going to require relegation-threatened QPR avoiding defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to give United any hope of retaining their crown.

Considering Sir Alex Ferguson's men established an eight-point lead five games ago, it is a sorry state of affairs that has already led to intense scrutiny of the merits of United's current group of players. Evra is not convinced a major overhaul is required.

We shall not be moved: Evra says United's reign will not end

We shall not be moved: Evra says United's reign will not end

'I know that if we don’t win the league then a lot of people will say this is the end of the empire and ask how we will survive,' said the France full-back.

'But there is a lot of talent at this club.

'We’ve had to deal with a lot through injuries and losing experienced players last summer and it’s never easy to find a solution immediately.'

Nevertheless, when United’s poor performances in both European competitions are taken into consideration, it is impossible to escape the conclusion that significant reinforcements are required.

Dimitar Berbatov’s late cameo against Swansea appeared to be a farewell gesture from Sir Alex Ferguson and the Bulgarian looks set to head a list of departures that may also include Anderson, Federico Macheda and Michael Owen.

To the wire: United's victory takes title race to the wire

To the wire: United's victory takes title race to the wire

Park Ji-sung's situation may also come under scrutiny, Darren Fletcher's health issues need to be resolved, whilst Paul Pogba still has to make a final decision about whether his destiny remains at Old Trafford or with new Italian champions Juventus.

It is not completely out of the question that Ferguson may also elect to dispense with one of his highest-profile players, although before he did, the United boss would want to make sure he had adequate cover.

Supporters, informed the price of their season tickets was being frozen once more, would accept all this as long as it was offset by Ferguson spending significant sums to reinforce his squad, particularly in attacking areas.

Nearly there: Victory for Manchester City over QPR will seal the title

Nearly there: Victory for Manchester City over QPR will seal the title

Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa has already hinted at a summer move to United from back-to-back Bundesliga winners Borussia Dortmund and, at 23, certainly fits the age profile of a current Ferguson signing.

However, United have refused to confirm the impending transfer and further details are not likely to be known until after Dortmund’s German Cup final appearance against Bayern Munich next Saturday.

Most supporters believe it would take more than that to solidify United’s position though and if new signings do not arrive, the blame will land at the door of the club’s owners for a relative lack of investment compared to most Premier League trophy challengers.

Of course, the season could still end with what Ferguson described on Sunday as 'the celebration of our lives'.

UEFA chief"s tough warning: Chelsea and City face Europe ban

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Chelsea and City face Europe ban: UEFA chief's tough warning to Premier League big spenders

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UPDATED:

21:40 GMT, 28 April 2012

Big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea have been warned by Europe's football bosses that if they splash
out on players this summer they may be forced to cut back their
Champions League squads – and even be barred from taking part in
European competition.

Under UEFA's tough Financial Fair
Play rules, applied from this season, clubs are allowed to make losses
of no more than 36million over two years.

Balancing the books: Sheik Mansour

Balancing the books: Sheik Mansour

But with sanctions for offending clubs due to be enforced from 2013-14, City and Chelsea face an almost impossible task to reduce their losses to acceptable levels.

City reported a 197m loss last year, while Chelsea's deficit was 67.7m. With both expected to rebuild their squads at considerable expense this summer, their prospects of success – and even future participation – in the highly lucrative Champions league are looking bleak.

UEFA president Michel Platini is expected at the Etihad Stadium for tomorrow's Premier League title showdown between City and Manchester United.

Victory for City would throw the momentum back to Roberto Mancini's expensively assembled team but City know that both they and Chelsea could face exclusion from the Champions League if they do not change their ways.

Facing exclusion: Roman Abramovich and Chelsea

Facing exclusion: Roman Abramovich and Chelsea

Alasdair Bell, UEFA's director of legal affairs, insisted last week that serious sanctions will apply to clubs who miss the 36m limit by more than 20 per cent.

In the first instance, UEFA will force offending clubs to withdraw up to five players from their 25-strong Champions League squads for the 2013 competition.

Repeat offenders will face being thrown out of the Champions League from the following year.

Bell said: 'Sanctions need to be sufficiently effective and credible to make people abide by the rules. If we're not capable of enforcing the system, in a way in which makes Financial Fair Play a reality, then we might as well forget it.

'Clubs who maybe have made more serious and effective efforts to bring their own house in order will expect the rules to be applied to those who have not done that.'

New Blue: Marko Marin signed for Chelsea

New Blue: Marko Marin signed for Chelsea

City's transfer targets this summer include Eden Hazard, Fernando Llorente, Edinson Cavani and Luka Modric, while Chelsea, who yesterday signed 23-yearold Werder Bremen winger Marko Marin for 7m, are also targeting Hazard and Modric as well as Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The total value of those signings could top 150m.

Bell revealed that a new independent body called the Club Financial Control Panel, comprising lawyers and accountants, will be charged with enforcing UEFA's rules.

'The aim is to regularise and stabilise football finances,' said Bell.

'The sanctions system has to be tailored to encourage rather than punish. But if certain clubs are just ignoring the system, we are going to face legitimate demands from others to do something about it. This is a balancing exercise that will have to be carried out by the panel.'

Clubs will be able to complain to the new body about rivals they believe are breaking the rules.

While City appear to be banking on a reported 400m, 10-year sponsorship by the Etihad airline to make their debts more in line with the Financial Fair Play rules, that deal is already being investigated by UEFA because the airline is owned by the royal family of Abu Dhabi and City's owner, Sheik Mansour, is a member of that family.

Sponsorship investigation: The Etihad Stadium

Sponsorship investigation: The Etihad Stadium

Bell says the new panel will scrutinise such deals in the same way that the European Union Commission assess whether a country is providing illegal state aid to its own industry.

'We have to determine whether a sponsorship deal is genuine or a disguised capital injection,' he said.

Bell insists that even if one of Europe's blue-chip clubs, such as Barcelona or Inter Milan, were to fail the regulations, there would be no rewriting of the rules.

'That shouldn't happen,' said Bell.

'The Club Financial Control Panel will be independent and their sole task will be to determine whether rules have been respected and, if not, what sanctions should be applied.'