Manchester City’s growing frustration with refereeing and VAR decisions has taken a new turn after an old clip involving a former Premier League chief resurfaced online.
The footage shows ex-Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore speaking openly about a supposed strategic aim to see different clubs lift the league title over time.
In a 2016 clip, Scudamore suggested that the league preferred a level of rotation when it came to champions.
He said the Premier League had a strategic plan to “put a new name on the trophy in every six-year period.”
The clip has re-emerged at a time when Manchester City feel increasingly aggrieved by key officiating calls.
On Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s side were furious after Tottenham’s first goal was allowed to stand in a dramatic comeback draw.
City players believed Dominic Solanke had fouled Marc Guehi in the build-up, but VAR did not intervene. That decision proved costly, as the Citizens dropped two points in the title race.
Meanwhile, the result allowed Arsenal to move six points clear at the top of the table. The Gunners are now pushing to win their first Premier League title since 2004.
Since the 2017–18 season, only two clubs have lifted the Premier League trophy. Manchester City have won it six times, while Liverpool claimed the title once in that period.
That dominance appears to contradict Scudamore’s earlier comments. But, there is also no evidence to suggest that the league is favouring Arsenal.
However, recent decisions have fuelled City’s sense of injustice. Rodri did not hide his anger after Sunday’s match. The midfielder told Australian broadcaster Stan Sport (via The Mirror):
“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral, and for me, honestly, it’s not fair.”
For City, the debate now goes beyond one decision. And with that old clip now circulating again, the scrutiny on referees, VAR, and the Premier League’s neutrality is only set to intensify.
The Premier League CEO saying they have “strategic plans” to get different title winners is crazy😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ak2GmDFlCV
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) February 3, 2026
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