Gary Neville has demanded Manchester City be stripped of their titles, hit with a multi-year points deduction, and forced to sell the club, following the independent commission's finding that the club breached 114 financial rules.
The former Manchester United defender made the comments on the Overlap Daily, as the club's appeal against the findings remains pending. City have protested their innocence throughout the process, but a sanctions process has already begun following the release of the findings by the Premier League in late September.
Neville's Demands
Speaking on the Overlap Daily, Neville said: "I think the owners should go, the titles should be stripped for the relevant period, and there should be a multi-year points punishment."
He added: "The owners and executives are going to struggle to remain in place if the same test that I have to follow as a director and owner is applied consistently."
Neville was not focused on relegating City to League One or League Two, saying: "I'm not particularly fixated on relegating Manchester City to League One or League Two. I want the club to return to the Premier League."
Fan Reactions and Economic Concerns
Neville recounted a conversation with a City fan, saying: "I was speaking to a City fan this morning who said supporters are going to wear retro kits on Sunday to show that they love the club and would go back to where they were if they had to. If that is what they do, good luck to them."
He acknowledged the wider implications: "But I can understand why the Premier League, politicians and regulators are concerned about the impact of removing the owners. For the club, the city and the east side of Manchester, the economic consequences would be enormous. That is the context, even though I have been clear about the punishment I think should happen."
Timeline Concerns
City are currently top of the Premier League and unbeaten, but face Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. City CEO Ferran Soriano has stated the process has a long way to run, suggesting it will not be complete before the end of this season.
Neville warned of the consequences: "It will be very difficult for everybody in football to watch Manchester City win the league this year. Psychologically, it would be a huge problem for the game. I don't think the Premier League can let this run until the end of the season."
He added: "If Manchester City are lifting the Premier League trophy in May without a verdict being given, there will be absolute uproar. The case must be dealt with by February or March."
Neville concluded: "Due process has to happen, and City believe they will get off the charges, so we will see what happens. But you cannot get to the end of the season and have Manchester City win the title without a verdict."
