Manchester City are still awaiting a verdict regarding 115 alleged rule breaches dating back to February 2023, with the Premier League yet to announce any punishments.
The charges, some of which involve UEFA regulations, have been rigorously denied by the club, but speculation continues over what sanctions could be applied if City are found guilty.
Precedent could determine severity of punishment
According to former Liverpool director Christian Purslow, if City are found to have breached rules, sporting sanctions are the likely outcome.
Speaking on The Football Boardroom, Purslow explained that the three-person panel appointed to review the evidence would rely on precedent, potentially imposing major points deductions that could even result in relegation.
Historical cases such as Swindon Town’s administrative demotion in 1990 over financial irregularities could serve as a reference, although the situations are not identical.
Breakdown of the 115 charges
The Premier League’s allegations against Manchester City are extensive:
- 54 alleged breaches for failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
- 35 alleged breaches for failure to co-operate with investigations from December 2018 to February 2023.
- 14 alleged breaches for inaccurate reporting of player and manager compensation between 2009/10 and 2017/18.
- Seven alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015/16 to 2017/18.
- Five alleged breaches of UEFA regulations, including Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play rules.
With the legal process ongoing, the Premier League has avoided commenting on the exact number of charges, amid reports of minor discrepancies in initial counts. While a final decision could still be over a year away, the implications for City are significant, with potential sporting and reputational consequences looming large.
