Jesse Marsch says Manchester City should face relegation over financial charges

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch says Manchester City should be given the “harshest punishment” if they are found guilty of breaching financial rules, including relegation from the Premier League.

Manchester City face 115 charges, 35 of which relate to an alleged failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations.

“I think Manchester City should be punished severely,” Marsch told The Guardian. “I think they should be relegated to the lower division. By the way, everybody knew about it.”

Marsch, who managed Leeds United until February 2023, compared the club’s financial position with that of Manchester City during the summer of 2022.

“In the summer of 2022, Leeds United and Manchester City were the only two teams who announced a profit,” he said. “We made a profit because we sold Raphinha to Barcelona and Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City.”

He said Leeds United had needed to generate funds through player sales, while Manchester City appeared able to spend heavily despite the figures they reported.

“We had a significant surplus from our transfer dealings,” Marsch added. “At that time, we were not in a financial position where we could afford not to save. The club’s ownership did not have huge financial resources.

“But with Manchester City, when I heard this, I said: ‘Are you kidding? Is this a joke?’”

Marsch also questioned how Manchester City were able to sign Erling Haaland for £52m.

“When they said they had signed Erling Haaland for £52m, my reaction was: ‘OK, sure!’” he said. “So I knew there were contradictions in it, but what can you do? You just throw your arms in the air and say: ‘That’s football.’”

What punishment could Manchester City face?

The possible sanctions under Premier League regulations range from financial penalties and a points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League.

A points deduction could be applied retrospectively, potentially creating the possibility of Manchester City being stripped of some of their previous titles.

Manchester City are preparing to appeal the decision in the coming days.

The Football Association accused the club of failing to provide accurate financial information, as well as alleged breaches involving payments to players and coaches, financial fair play regulations, and profitability and sustainability rules.

Manchester City have denied all the allegations against them and said they remain confident in their legal position.