Rabat – Manchester City could face a historic punishment that would see the English club relegated from the Premier League following its financial rule breaches, according to a report published by the British newspaper Daily Mail on Monday.
The report, written by journalist Oliver Holt, suggests that the most likely punishment could involve a substantial points deduction and a heavy financial penalty, potentially making relegation to the Championship almost unavoidable.
Sources close to the proceedings reportedly believe that deducting enough points to send City into England’s second division would be a more practical punishment than immediately expelling the club from the Premier League.
The report also raises the possibility of an additional points deduction next season, which could prevent City from securing an immediate return to the top flight.
However, no official punishment has been announced, and the potential sanctions remain subject to an ongoing disciplinary process.
Why Manchester City could face severe sanctions
The latest report comes after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club over breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The violations covered nine seasons between 2009 and 2018 and involved financial reporting, commercial agreements, and compliance with spending regulations.
According to the Premier League’s official statement on September 29, the commission found that City had used misleading commercial agreements to increase revenues and reduce reported expenses artificially.
The commission concluded that the arrangements involved more than £900 million ($1.2 billion) and helped the club appear to comply with financial regulations.
Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing and formally appealed the commission’s findings on October 1, maintaining that the ruling contained significant errors.
What happens next?
According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League is reportedly pushing for sanctions to be announced before the outcome of City’s appeal.
The report suggests that outright expulsion from the Premier League, which could force the club to restart in League Two, is unlikely because of the disruption it would cause across English football.
Instead, a significant points deduction, combined with a financial penalty, is viewed as a possible solution.
The independent commission will determine the sanctions through a separate hearing, while City’s appeal against the findings remains ongoing.
For now, Manchester City continues competing in the Premier League without a points deduction, as uncertainty grows over a case that could have major consequences for the club and English football.
