Manchester City could be stripped of nine major trophies amid Premier League case

Manchester City could lose nine major trophies won between 2009 and 2018 if the Premier League case against the club ends with the titles being removed as part of its final punishment, according to The Athletic.

The club has been found guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges, which relate to alleged breaches over nine seasons. The accusations include providing inaccurate financial information, breaking rules governing player and manager wages, and violating the competition’s financial regulations.

Manchester City deny the allegations and are expected to appeal any decision. The final sanctions have not yet been determined, with a range of possible punishments being discussed, including a points deduction, relegation and the removal of trophies.

If titles are taken away, three Premier League championships could be affected. They are the 2012, 2014 and 2018 titles, alongside the 2011 FA Cup, League Cup victories in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and the Community Shields won in 2012 and 2018.

Manchester United stand to benefit

Manchester United would be the main beneficiaries of any retrospective changes to the Premier League standings.

The 2012 title could be awarded to United, who finished second to Manchester City on goal difference. The 2018 championship could also go to United after Jose Mourinho’s side finished runners-up to Pep Guardiola’s team.

Mourinho referred sarcastically to that possibility before United’s meeting with Fenerbahce in October 2024. He suggested that a points penalty for Manchester City could hand him the league title and the associated prize money, reportedly worth about £4m.

The 2014 Premier League title could instead go to Liverpool, who finished behind Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City. That would give Steven Gerrard the league championship he failed to win during his Liverpool career.

In the FA Cup, the 2011 trophy could be awarded to Stoke City. They lost the final 1-0 to Manchester City.

The three League Cup titles could also change hands. Sunderland, Liverpool and Arsenal were beaten by Manchester City in the 2014, 2016 and 2018 finals respectively, and could therefore be recognised as the winners if the trophies are withdrawn.

Chelsea could benefit from changes to the 2012 and 2018 Community Shields. Manchester City won both matches against the London club, potentially allowing Chelsea to be credited with the trophies if they are also removed.

The Premier League’s case began after financial documents were leaked in 2018. In February 2023, the league charged Manchester City with 115 alleged breaches before referring the matter to an independent commission.

The eventual punishment remains undisclosed, and the precise effect on Manchester City’s honours will depend on the final decision and any subsequent appeal.