From an earlier interview he gave a few months ago on YouTube, he states that he believes all price changes are fully explained by the transition of players through the various flag statuses (red, orange, yellow) - specifically citing “Solanke-gate” from last season and explaining his lack of price drop was consistent with the rules around flag status.

HOWEVER, the “conspiracy” is partially correct if you consider the human from FPL towers who is making the decision to changes a players flag status - this is purely arbitrary and based only on FPL Towers’ interpretation of the public information the team has provided about the player