Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, according to reports on Friday. The club, first charged in 2023 over alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, strongly deny the allegations and are expected to lodge an appeal.
If the decision is upheld, City could face significant punishments, including a potential points deduction, expulsion from the league, or retrospective stripping of titles. This would have a major impact on Liverpool, who finished second behind City in 2014 and could be awarded a third Premier League title.
Club chairman releases open letter
Around 24 hours after the news broke, Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak wrote an open letter to fans, outlining the club's confidence in proving their innocence. Published on the club's official website, it 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."
The letter continued: "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."
Al Mubarak added: "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."
Club statement and 'trouble' warning
On Friday, City released a short statement via a spokesperson, which said: "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's 2023 statement, issued when the charges were first brought, said: "Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with. The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
Former Crystal Palace owner-turned-pundit Simon Jordan has warned Man City that they are in 'significant trouble' and predicted they will be unsuccessful in any appeal. Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jordan said: "I'm unsurprised because I always thought Man City had a case to answer and there's a part of me, without wanting to be vindictive towards Man City, that thinks this is possibly a good thing."
Potential punishments and Liverpool legal action
In terms of punishment, it is still not known what could happen to City if the charges remain upheld. TalkSPORT's Ben Jacobs claims that the Premier League are pushing for a 'ground-breaking' points deduction, or having the club relegated from the league. It is also added that the EFL are planning to back the Premier League and not allow the club to play in their leagues, meaning City could conceivably face relegation to outside of the football league and play in the National League.
Liverpool are one of four Premier League clubs who have already prepared to take legal action against City, should their appeal be unsuccessful. The Daily Mail reports that the guilty verdict will trigger legal claims from clubs worth as much as £800 million, with Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Man United serving formal notices reserving their right to take action back in 2014. It is also added that, despite reports of City being found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges, the Premier League have actually been successful in proving all substantive claims.
