Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League financial charges, and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the club face a three-pronged punishment. However, he argues that stripping the club of any titles would serve little purpose.
Several outlets have reported that City were found guilty by an independent panel on all but one of the 115 charges, which related to alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. The Premier League will now determine appropriate sanctions, with reports suggesting clubs were informed at a Thursday meeting that a resolution had been reached.
Murphy's prediction on sanctions
Speaking about the outcome, Murphy said: "I'm really surprised to hear that they are guilty of all but one of the charges if I'm honest as they have always been so robust and adamant regarding their innocence.
"I do expect them to appeal and contrary to reports my gut feeling is that the process could be drawn out for quite some time. I think it's pointless stripping them of titles that they've already won as the runners-up won't feel any sense of satisfaction being given a title years later. The fans, players and staff never had the feeling or experience of winning said titles so it's pointless to me."
The investigation into City was launched after financial documents were leaked in November 2018 and has rumbled on throughout a period in which the club claimed a string of major honours under Pep Guardiola, who left after a decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium this summer. Liverpool stood as their principal domestic rivals throughout a spell in which the Reds secured one Premier League title and were twice narrowly denied by City despite accumulating over 90 points.
Relegation, transfer ban and record fine
Murphy, speaking to Snabbare, added: "My feeling is the Premier League will have to go strong but they are caught between a rock and hard place because ultimately a relegation of any sorts lessens their product and makes the league less competitive.
"That said I think they will probably relegate them to the Championship, impose some sort of transfer ban, and give them a huge, record-breaking fine to send a message to the whole of football. I think their best hope is a big points deduction for this season and a record-breaking fine plus a year or two transfer ban."
Club's response and appeal plans
City are understood to be preparing an appeal against the verdict and, following the revelation, released a club statement which made no reference to whether they had been found guilty. It read: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.
"As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
City subsequently released an open letter on their official website from chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak on Saturday, which read: "I have been part of this club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul.
"This club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
"Following Friday's media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the club's innocence is just as strong as when this began.
"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word matters and holds true.
"While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.
"We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support."
Everton received a 10-point deduction in November 2023 for violating the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), though this was subsequently reduced to six points following a successful appeal. In April 2024, Everton were handed a further two-point penalty for an additional PSR breach. The previous month, Nottingham Forest were subjected to a four-point deduction, which was upheld upon appeal. City's first fixture following the international break takes them to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, October 11.
