Several Premier League clubs are pushing for Manchester City to face both retrospective and future penalties following an independent commission’s finding that the club breached financial regulations repeatedly between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. Sources told BBC Sport that if City’s appeal against the verdict fails, sanctions should not only punish past misconduct but also restrict the club’s future activities.
The commission found City guilty of all charges related to serious financial rule breaches, but the club is appealing. Meanwhile, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is reviewing the findings for possible misconduct. Despite this, a consensus is emerging among a group of senior executives from rival Premier League clubs who want a stronger penalty than a one-off points deduction that could lead to relegation. Some argue such a sanction would be insufficient given the scale of the wrongdoing.
One senior club source told BBC Sport that City should be stripped of the eight Premier League titles they won during the period in question. The source added there was “no great rush” to redistribute those trophies to other clubs, preferring instead that titles remain vacant. The source warned the Premier League’s credibility would be undermined if City were allowed to keep those honours.
However, opinions vary across the league. BBC Sport previously reported that while some clubs want titles stripped, there is little appetite among others for such a move. On future sanctions, executives are concerned a single-season deduction would be only a “bump in the road” since City could quickly bounce back from relegation. Several Premier League figures believe any points deduction should be spread over multiple seasons. Transfer bans covering several windows have also been suggested to limit City’s ability to rebuild swiftly.
One club source described it as “bizarre, almost obtuse” if City were allowed to participate in the upcoming January transfer window while the sanctions process remains unresolved. Several clubs have expressed frustration at the lack of clarity from the Premier League regarding the timeline and details of the appeal and sanction hearings. Sources acknowledged an “empathy” for the Premier League’s difficult position given the complex legal issues involved.
In terms of financial reparations, one idea gaining traction is a “tariff-based system” where City’s past league finishes would be adjusted with points deductions. Rival clubs could then receive compensation based on the difference between their actual and hypothetical league positions. This approach aims to provide a more concrete way to address the impact of City’s rule-breaking on other teams.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is expected to speak to his players after they return from international duty on Thursday, ahead of their Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday at 16:30 BST. This fixture at Anfield will be City’s first since the verdict was announced.
Merseyside Police said it has received queries about the match, confirming that an “appropriate policing operation” will be in place. Sources at Liverpool told BBC Sport the club is treating the day as “business as usual,” with no additional security measures planned beyond standard pre-match arrangements. A club source said supporters have the right to express their feelings but urged them not to “overstep the mark.”
According to BBC Sports.
