Manchester City face an uncertain future in the Premier League after being found guilty of all financial charges by an independent commission. The panel found that City breached the regulations over nine years between 2009 and 2018, with the club originally charged in 2023. It is understood that the eight-time Premier League champions will appeal the verdict.
The Blues, who have always denied any wrongdoing, now face a nervous wait for their punishment, with rival clubs said to be pushing for any sanctions to be imposed this season. Speculation is growing over whether City could be stripped of titles from the period they have been found to have breached top-flight rules. Relegation, a huge points deduction and possibly a fine are also on the cards, with a panel set to decide their fate - the outcome of which will depend on an appeal which the Blues have until Friday to submit.
Erling Haaland behaviour
Erling Haaland's international teammate Kristoffer Ajer says the City star's behaviour has not changed since the bombshell news broke. Speaking to Wales Online ahead of Norway's clash with Wales in the Nations League, Ajer said: "He's been exactly the way he always is with the national team. He's really focused on the upcoming games, and I think he's trying to do the same as everyone else in waiting to see what the outcome is [with the Man City case]. But right now the main focus is Wales tomorrow night."
He added: "Actually, we've not talked too much about it. Obviously, there was a statement released yesterday, so it's quite fresh and new. We're just footballers. We don't know all the ins and outs and all the stuff that's been talked about in the media. So we haven't really had any discussions about it."
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken was a little more blunt in his response to questions about Haaland. He said: "Very good. Scoring goals. He missed one chance against Portugal. One he usually doesn't miss, but that's the only thing I can say as a negative. He's on fire." When asked whether he had held any conversations with Haaland, he said: "What we speak about is between him and me."
"I don't want to deal with that," he added when asked further on the significance of the City situation. "I don't know how to deal with it. Maybe you have to go to a couple of other press conferences in the near future. It's not for me to go into that issue. That's not one per cent part of my job."
Punishment timeline
City's punishment should be handed down before the end of this season, senior football figures have told BBC Sport. It is said that those spoken to see no reason why the case cannot be concluded by the end of the 2026/27 campaign. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one club official said: "It benefits everyone for this to be resolved as quickly as possible." When asked if they believed it would be, they said: "Instinctively yes, but it has to be done right. We can all see what the risks are if it's not. But those risks have been there throughout the process, as they've won the league multiple times during it."
New legal threat
City's primary sponsor, Etihad Airways, has threatened legal action against the Premier League, following an inference that the company was involved in 'sham' sponsorship deals. In an explosive statement published by The Times, they said: "Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements."
"The Premier League's public communication of the Commission's findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings. At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the Commission's opinion. Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline."
"Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly. The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision. The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented."
"Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City. The Etihad name has been proudly carried by the Club and its stadium for many years, as part of a partnership that has connected us with millions of supporters around the world. Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong. We stand with the Club, its supporters and our wider Etihad community as Manchester City challenges the Commission's conclusions through the processes available to it. Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests."
