Manchester City face ‘drastic’ sanctions, says club’s former chairman

Reports say an independent commission has found Manchester City guilty on all but one of 115 charges that the club breached Premier League financial regulations. The alleged breaches — covering the period from 2009 to 2018 — include failing to provide accurate financial information, improper disclosure of payments to players and staff, violations of financial sustainability rules, and failure to cooperate with the investigation. The Premier League has not made an official statement on the reported findings.

Under its current ownership by Abu Dhabi United Group, City have consistently rejected the accusations. A club spokesperson reiterated that position and said City intends to appeal should any charges be upheld. Former chairman David Bernstein, who led the club from 1998 to 2003, told Times Radio the club could face "very severe" and potentially "drastic" sanctions if guilty findings are sustained, and urged a quick resolution of the appeal process.

Public reaction has included expressions of shock and concern. Musician and City supporter Noel Gallagher said he was surprised by the reported findings, while UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy called the situation "unsettling" for fans and urged a prompt resolution. The case follows earlier high-profile regulatory action: in 2020 UEFA imposed a two-year European ban and a fine on City for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, although that ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Possible penalties, if the reported verdicts are confirmed, could be substantial. Media reports and legal commentators have suggested measures ranging from heavy points deductions to potential expulsion from the Premier League. Clubs including Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked points in the 2023/24 season for single breaches of profit and sustainability rules, and other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice about compensation linked to City’s alleged breaches. The Premier League has yet to announce any formal sanctions or the next procedural steps.