Manchester City’s punishment for breaching Premier League financial rules should be decided before this season ends, senior football figures have told BBC Sport. The club was found guilty on Tuesday of inflating revenue by more than £900 million through "sham" sponsorship deals between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
The Premier League’s independent commission ruled City breached its financial regulations but has yet to impose sanctions. The club denies wrongdoing and plans to file an appeal by the end of the week, raising fears the process could drag on well beyond the current campaign.
A senior football official, speaking anonymously to BBC Sport, said the case benefits everyone if resolved quickly. “Instinctively yes, but it has to be done right,” they added. “We can all see what the risks are if it’s not. But those risks have been there throughout the process, as they’ve won the league multiple times during it.”
Another source expressed hope the appeal process will be “compressed” and concluded by the season’s close. The Premier League board and City can propose punishments before the commission makes a final ruling. League regulations suggest appeals should conclude within 12 weeks of filing, with decisions reached 30 days after.
Despite this, Manchester City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano has indicated the case could last a long time. The club cannot take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but might challenge the process’s impartiality in the High Court.
The Premier League said on Monday it wants the situation “concluded as soon as possible” following the commission’s verdict. The league declined to comment further when contacted by BBC Sport.
Meanwhile, City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways, issued a statement on Wednesday rejecting any suggestion of impropriety. The UAE-based airline said it was not named in the redacted findings and condemned “selective leaks and reporting” that have caused “damaging implications” for its reputation.
Etihad added it had no chance to participate in the investigation and will seek legal advice to protect its interests. “The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented,” the statement said.
The case has stirred broader concerns about the delayed resolution, especially if City were to win the Premier League title again before any sanction is applied. Some in football fear protracted uncertainty could undermine fair competition and fan trust.
The independent commission’s decision is expected to clarify whether City will face fines, points deductions, or other penalties. No final ruling has been announced, and the timeline now hinges on the club’s appeal and the commission’s schedule.
The situation remains fluid as City prepares to respond to the verdict while the Premier League seeks closure before the current campaign concludes.
According to BBC Sports.
