“Manchester City” is appealing against a verdict of not guilty in relation to 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.
Manchester City could face a significant drop in points that would see them relegated from the Premier League for breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations.
This is the view of insiders who know about the business. City were found guilty last month of 114 financial offenses covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League club accused of “artificially boosting” its revenue through “sham” sponsorship arrangements.
However, the club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has appealed the findings of an independent panel that ruled against them. It means football supporters will have to wait a long time before they find out the full extent of City’s punishment if their appeal is unsuccessful.
According to the Daily Mail, those close to the business believe the club face a significant financial penalty as well as a huge points deduction that will see them out of the top flight. Furthermore, City could be offered the extra points that would keep them in the second tier for another season.
While the EFL does not have to impose such a penalty on one of its member clubs, sources say it is likely they will. Speculation has been rife that City could be stripped of titles won during the period covered by potential penalties, including transfer bans and alleged financial irregularities.
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However, it is expected that no sanctions will be imposed until the appeal process is over. A final decision is expected in early 2027 due to the strict deadlines set out in the Premier League’s regulations.
Meanwhile, pundit Martin Keown revealed he had received conflicting information about City’s potential penalty if their appeal fails.
The former Arsenal defender said on talkSPORT on Monday: “I’m hearing rumors that it’s going to be over in a couple of weeks and it won’t be as bad as we think. Maybe they’ll get away with a big fine and we’ll be back on the football pitch.”
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On the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side made it clear that their sole focus remains on getting results in the Premier League, continuing to distract from the external attention surrounding the club. The Citizens have made an impressive start to the season, winning all of their opening seven Premier League matches to remain unbeaten in the top flight.
In their most recent match, City beat Ipswich Town 3-2 on Saturday, with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scoring to secure all three points for the Manchester club. City are currently top of the Premier League table and boast a three point lead over champions Arsenal.
However, the picture could change considerably in the coming weeks, with Maresca facing a tight fixture list culminating in a tough tie against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in late November – a match that could prove crucial in the 2026/27 title race.
“Manchester City” matches for October and November
- Manchester City vs AEK – Tuesday, October 20
- Aston Villa v Manchester City – Saturday 24 October
- Manchester City v Brighton and Hove Albion – Wednesday, October 28
- Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion – Saturday, October 31
- RB Leipzig vs Manchester City – Wednesday, November 4
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City – Saturday 7 November
- Manchester City vs Fulham – Saturday, November 21
- “Manchester City” – “Napoli” – Tuesday, November 24
- “Arsenal” – “Manchester City” – Sunday, November 29