Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules 114 times, a verdict that has sent shockwaves through football. The club, which has always denied any wrongdoing, now faces a nervous wait for its punishment, with potential repercussions including relegation, a points deduction, and the stripping of titles. City are understood to be planning to appeal the verdict.
Former chairman calls for swift resolution
Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein, who led the club between 1998 and 2003, said he felt "absolutely awful" and "in shock" after the verdict. Speaking on Times Radio, the 83-year-old, a City fan for 70 years, said: "It's really awful that this great period of success, which followed many years of being less successful, when I was chair I think I helped get the club out of a very difficult period and started the road to better things."
"But to see all this tarnished in this way is very sad, I feel particularly bad for the wonderful supporters of the club who've stayed with the club through thick and thin. It's a pretty bad day I think for the fans in blue of Manchester."
Punishment must be drastic, says Bernstein
The independent panel found that City breached regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. The club was originally charged in 2023, and the 12-week hearing ran from September 16 to December 6 2024.
Asked about the correct punishment, Bernstein said: "First of all, the timing of this I think is crucial. This whole process has taken too long already. So the appeal process now has to be done quickly because... You've got the club playing with this cloud over its head and it's just not viable."
"The appeal process cannot go on for year after year, I think that would be a disaster. Not just for this particular case but for English football generally. The timing is crucial. I can't give a view on the punishment. If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of 115 charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty. All I would say is that money is not sufficient, it would have to be something, unfortunately, more drastic than that."
Rival clubs consider legal action
Premier League clubs are planning potential legal action against City following the guilty verdict. With the club earning huge success during the nine-year period in question, other sides in England look to be after financial compensation.
City have claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2011/12 campaign, when they famously snatched the crown from United on the final day of the season. Domestic cup competitions and one Champions League have also been claimed since 2009, with the legitimacy of those triumphs now under scrutiny.
The Athletic report that one possible scenario could see all those impacted come together to launch a class-action lawsuit. United, specifically, are said to be looking into their options and the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own success and finances. An appeal from City is anticipated first, however, with any action from rival clubs expected to follow that process.
