Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of their 115 Premier League charges by an independent commission. The club was charged in February 2023 with more than 100 breaches of league rules, which City strenuously denied. Potential sanctions are undecided at this stage, and City has confirmed it will appeal the verdict.
Club responds to verdict
The Premier League declined to comment. A City spokesperson 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 has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
Express Sport writers have offered their views on what punishment City should face if their appeal fails.
Calls for severe punishment
Jack McEachen argued that City deserve the harshest of penalties, saying their Premier League titles are tainted. He stated there is no other decision but to expel them from the top flight and remove their titles concerning the period they were breaching financial regulations, adding that an example must be set.
Amos Murphy said rules are rules and City must face up to the punishment, suggesting that for the biggest case in English sporting history, the biggest punishment is the only possible outcome.
Archie Griggs said the punishment needs to be as harsh as possible and should result in City being kicked out of the Premier League and stripped of their domestic titles. He added that a measly fine or points deduction simply won't do, and it is time for the Premier League to be brave and use their authority.
Aaron Morris said the Premier League must throw the book at City, calling for relegation and for all trophies won as a result of breaches to be given to runners-up. He noted that no club has ever committed such a substantial breach of the rules.
Alternative views
Charlie Malam disagreed with relegation, arguing that City would only win every title and come back up to the top flight. He also opposed stripping previous titles, calling it unbelievably messy. Instead, he suggested a massive transfer ban of 3-4 years and a historically large fine, perhaps £100m or more.
Kieran Horn said City should be stripped of titles and handed a points deduction that relegates them. He expressed hope that their appeal is immediately dismissed, given their failures to co-operate and number of breaches.
