Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader and now independent MP, has called for Manchester City to face a triple punishment if their appeal against Premier League charges fails. He wants the club to be relegated, stripped of titles and hit with a substantial fine.
City are reported to have been found guilty on 114 of their 115 charges for breaching Premier League financial rules. The alleged breaches cover nine years between 2009 and 2018. The club strongly deny any wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the decision.
Seismic consequences demanded
Speaking to The Standard, Corbyn said: "This is a seismic judgement which demands seismic consequences. That includes a significant points deduction that results in their inevitable relegation."
He added: "There should also be a substantial fine, the proceeds of which should all go to grassroots football," stressing the amount should be in the millions of pounds.
Titles should be stripped
Corbyn continued: "The league should also seriously consider stripping them of their titles. If their titles weren't won fairly, why should they keep them? Remember, underneath these breaches are countless trophies and titles that other clubs and fans should have celebrated."
He also argued that "greed and selfishness in the Premier League is out of control". Sanctions outlined in the Premier League handbook include point deductions, fines and even expulsion from the league.
City chief's response
Meanwhile, City chief Ferran Soriano reportedly told executives at rival European clubs that the legal dispute with the Premier League will "take a lot more time" before reaching a conclusion. According to the Press Association, he commented on last week's news while at the European Football Clubs board in Copenhagen on Monday, stating: "It's taken eight years to get here, and it's going to take a lot more time."
