Manchester City are "most likely" to face a points deduction after being found guilty on 114 out of 115 financial rule breaches in their case with the Premier League. The club finally discovered the outcome of their 12-week hearing, which took place in 2024, on Friday. Their punishment is yet to be decided and City are widely expected to appeal the ruling, having consistently maintained their innocence throughout.
Expert predicts points deduction and fine
Dr Dan Plumley, a football finance specialist and Senior Lecturer in Sport Business Management at Sheffield Hallam University, believes Enzo Maresca's squad will be hit with a points deduction, rather than being kicked out of the Premier League or stripped of their domestic titles.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Dr Plumley said: "Now that City have been found guilty, all of those things would potentially be on the table as sanctions, and the Premier League could push for any or a combination of."
"It is really difficult to predict what any outcome could be, as there is no precedent. We will always be in the realms of speculation until we know."
"But if I were to speculate, I would suggest that a points deduction and fine would be most likely, with relegation and title stripping being the extreme, but unlikely, scenarios."
Appeal could prolong process
When pressed on a potential timescale for an appeal, he added: "It is tricky to tell on timeframe linked to appeal as it could keep going on and on. It depends on what the verdict is and then what either side would do next, etc."
"But both parties have the right to appeal, and we have certainly already heard noises from City in the past that they would look to appeal and tie the Premier League up in litigation."
"These things are never straightforward, and you are dealing with power and egos too in the middle of this, which cannot be ignored."
Charges relate to 2009-2018 period
City were accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as breaching UEFA's financial fair play (FFP) regulations and the Premier League's own profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
They were charged following an investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018 and referred to an independent commission to adjudicate over the charges.
