Manchester City face uncertain future as Premier League charges near verdict

Manchester City’s legal dispute with the Premier League remains unresolved, but reports that the club have been found guilty of all but one of 115 alleged breaches have intensified speculation over possible sanctions and the consequences for English football.

No punishment has yet been approved. Should a guilty verdict be confirmed, City are expected to appeal, meaning the case could continue for a considerable time.

The proceedings began after leaked documents from City executives were published by German outlet Der Spiegel in 2018. Under Premier League rules, the available sanctions range from a fine or points deduction to expulsion from the division.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were both given points deductions during the 2023/24 season for single breaches of financial sustainability rules. On that basis, a finding against City on more than 100 charges could result in relegation.

A further dispute could centre on whether any punishment is imposed before the appeal process has concluded. City could theoretically be relegated before overturning a verdict, while delaying the sanction until after an appeal could affect other clubs’ league positions or their chances of qualifying for lucrative European competitions. City currently sit top of the table.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak told supporters in a letter on Saturday: “Our confidence and intent in proving the club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”

Even after the Premier League process ends, City’s Abu-Dhabi backed owners could seek redress in England’s High Court if they challenge the way the arbitration process was conducted.

Titles and compensation

The possibility of City being stripped of trophies has prompted reaction from rivals. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, whose side finished runners-up to City in 2011/12, posted: “Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet.”

However, removing titles and awarding them retrospectively would be complicated. The charges cover the period from 2009 to 2018, during which City won four league titles. Manchester United and Liverpool finished second in those seasons twice each.

City have since claimed four more league titles, potentially using foundations that were fraudulently obtained. During the period covered by the charges, they also won four League Cups and one FA Cup – their first trophy for 35 years.

“I don’t seriously believe any other trophies and titles will be handed back over either,” Tony Pulis, whose Stoke side lost the 2011 FA Cup final to City, told the BBC.

“A points deduction and a massive fine feels far more likely. But I still feel cheated.”

Financial compensation could prove a more practical route for clubs that believe they lost out. In June, Everton were ordered to pay Burnley £35 million ($46 million) after surviving in the Premier League ahead of the Clarets in the same season in which they breached financial sustainability rules.

Impact on the squad

The pending verdict has so far done little to damage City’s ability to recruit or retain leading players. Less than a month ago, the club recorded the biggest transfer spending in a single window, investing about £460 million in players including Enzo Fernandez, Elliott Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Erling Haaland signed a nine-year contract in 2025, potentially keeping the striker at City until he is 34. Whether any players negotiated exit clauses that would become active if the club received severe sanctions remains unknown.