Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein stated that the club could face potentially "drastic" sanctions after reportedly being found guilty on all but one of 115 charges for breaching Premier League financial rules. Bernstein's comments come as the Premier League has not yet made an official announcement regarding the case, and there is no indication of any possible punishment at this time.
Manchester City, which is backed by Abu Dhabi, has consistently denied the charges, and a club spokesperson confirmed that their position remains unchanged. It is understood that the club will appeal if the charges are upheld.
The spokesperson emphasized that the club has respected due process for eight years, expecting the Premier League board and executive to act as an independent and fair-minded regulator. The charges against City were brought forth in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches of financial rules from 2009 to 2018, including failing to provide accurate financial information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as not cooperating with the investigation.
An independent commission hearing began in September 2024. Bernstein noted that a financial penalty alone would not suffice as punishment, calling for a swift appeal process. He expressed concern that a prolonged appeal could negatively impact English football as a whole.
Oasis star and Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher expressed his surprise at the developments, stating that it was shocking to learn of the guilty verdicts after the club had assured fans of their innocence. UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy described the situation as "unsettling" for football fans and called for a quick resolution.
In 2020, UEFA had imposed a two-year European ban on Manchester City along with a fine for breaching financial fair-play rules, but that ban was later overturned. If the guilty verdicts are confirmed, potential sanctions could include a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. Other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice regarding compensation related to the charges.
Since being acquired by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, Manchester City has become a dominant force in English football, winning eight Premier League titles and a Champions League title among other trophies over the past 15 years. The latest developments follow the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola, who had supported the club’s stance on the charges but indicated he would leave if he felt misled.