Manchester City face the heaviest sanctions ever dished out by the Premier League after being found guilty of 113 charges for breaking financial rules. The ten-time English champions could now face a points deduction, expulsion, or even have titles stripped.
Guilty verdict on 113 charges
In February 2023, the then-English champions were taken to task by the league for breaching financial regulations over the nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. City won three league titles during that period under the stewardship of Emirati owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They were then investigated by a three-person independent commission, but there has been radio silence on the situation until now. Of the 114 charges they faced, City have been found guilty of all but one of them and are now awaiting a verdict on sanctions.
Potential sanctions and appeal
They are expected to appeal the decision but, if unsuccessful, they could face any manner of severe punishments. Everything from a hefty points deduction to full-on expulsion from the league, and the retrospective docking of titles, could be on the table.
Manchester United (twice) and Liverpool both finished runners-up to City during the period in question and will be watching the situation with interest. In 2024, Everton were docked 10 points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, which was later reduced to six after an appeal. But the severity of City's case goes far beyond that and the sanctions could be much greater.
Club statement
A City statement to The Athletic 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.”
