Manchester City are at the centre of a huge storm after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules 114 times, which they will appeal
Enzo Maresca looks on
Enzo Maresca's Man City could be handed a severe punishment(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
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Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein believes "money is not sufficient" in terms of a potential punishment for his old club. City have been found to have breached Premier League financial rules 114 times in a verdict which has sent shockwaves throughout football.
The East Manchester side, who have always denied any wrongdoing, now face a nervous wait for their punishment. Potential repercussions include relegation, a points deduction, and the stripping of titles. It is understood that City will appeal the verdict.
The independent panel found that City breached the regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. The Blues were originally charged in 2023, and the 12-week hearing ran from September 16 to December 6 2024.
Now, Bernstein, who was City chairman between 1998 and 2003, has had his say on Times Radio. The 83-year-old wants to see City's case dealt with quickly.
He said: "I felt absolutely awful, I felt in shock yesterday, actually. I think you've asked me on the programme because of my time as chair of City and the FA, but basically I'm a fan of Manchester City and have been a fan for 70 years.
"It's really awful that this great period of success, which followed many years of being less successful, when I was chair I think I helped get the club out of a very difficult period and started the road to better things.
"But to see all this tarnished in this way is very sad, I feel particularly bad for the wonderful supporters of the club who've stayed with the club through thick and thin. It's a pretty bad day I think for the fans in blue of Manchester."
David Bernstein
Former Man City chairman David Bernstein has had his say on the verdict(Image: The FA)
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Asked what the correct punishment would be, he added: "First of all, the timing of this I think is crucial. This whole process has taken too long already.
"So the appeal process now has to be done quickly because... You've got the club playing with this cloud over its head and it's just not viable. The appeal process cannot go on for year after year, I think that would be a disaster. Not just for this particular case but for English football generally. The timing is crucial.
"I can't give a view on the punishment. If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of 115 charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty. All I would say is that money is not sufficient, it would have to be something, unfortunately, more drastic than that."
Premier League clubs are planning potential legal action against City following their guilty verdict. With the club earning huge success during the nine-year period they are accused of breaching regulations, other sides in England look to be after financial compensation.
City claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2011/12 campaign, when they famously snatched the crown from United on the final day of the season. Domestic cup competitions and one Champions League have also been claimed since 2009, with the legitimacy of those triumphs now under scrutiny.
The Athletic claim that one possible scenario could see all those impacted coming together to launch a class-action lawsuit. United, specifically, are said to be looking into their options and the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own success and finances. An appeal from City is anticipated first, however, with any action from rival clubs expected to follow that process.