Manchester City are gearing up for a crucial hearing starting next month regarding the 115 alleged violations of Premier League financial regulations.
The Premier League’s investigation, launched in 2023, has accused the club of breaching Financial Fair Play rules up until the 2017–18 season.
According to a report by Martyn Ziegler, the chief sports reporter for The Times, the hearing is set to commence in mid-to-late September and is expected to last approximately ten weeks. The proceedings will be overseen by an independent commission, with a verdict anticipated in early 2025.
The Premier League’s charges against Manchester City are not limited to financial discrepancies. The club is also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation and withholding necessary documents over five seasons, from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
Potential consequences for Manchester City if found guilty
If found guilty of the financial charges, the consequences for Manchester City could be severe. Possible punishments include point deductions, the potential stripping of titles, or even relegation from the Premier League, though the latter two are considered less likely.
A guilty verdict could also lead to the reallocation of previous titles, a prospect that would be welcomed by clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, who have finished as runners-up to City in recent years.
The consequences could extend beyond the pitch. Financially, the club could face heavy fines and the loss of commercial partnerships. Reputationally, the damage could be even more significant, with the club’s global brand potentially taking a severe hit.
Manchester City have been penalised for other breaches as well
Beyond the financial allegations, Manchester City have recently been penalised for other breaches as well. Last month, the club was fined £2.09 million for consistently starting matches and resuming play after half-time later than the scheduled time. The club acknowledged these 22 breaches, which occurred without sufficient reason.
Should the club be found guilty, the ramifications could be severe and wide-ranging. On the sporting front, Manchester City could face significant penalties, including point deductions, potential title stripping, or even relegation from the Premier League, albeit the chances of the latter two are slim.
The potential sanctions could also lead to a reallocation of previous titles, which would come as music to ears for Liverpool and Arsenal who have lost several league titles to City in the last few years.
Beyond the pitch, the financial and reputational damage to Manchester City could be profound.
Heavy fines and the loss of commercial partnerships could likely follow a guilty verdict. The club’s global brand could also be irreparably damaged.