REUTERS/ Molly Darlington
Huge news emerged on Friday afternoon, as Manchester City were found guilty on 'virtually all' of their 115 charges brought to them by the Premier League regarding breaches of financial fair play (FFP) rules.
The decision hasn't been confirmed yet, with neither the Premier League nor Manchester City stating whether an official verdict has been given.
The charges were first brought in 2023, with it taking two years for a verdict to reportedly come. City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak released a statement in which he expressed his club's innocence and commitment to proving it did nothing wrong. Still, he couldn't comment further due to the case's strict confidentiality.
Due to City having the right to appeal any verdict, a punishment will still be some time away, with the footballing world unaware of what could be coming the Citizens' way, considering it the highest number of charges in a single case ever reported in the sport.
However, according to the BBC, some punishments are more likely than others.
Manchester City corner flag
Manchester City corner flag
Premier League's Stance on Stripping City of Titles
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Since reports emerged, potential punishments for City have been floated, with possible sporting sanctions such as heavy points deductions, relegation to the lower tiers, or even stripping the Citizens of any titles they won during the nine years in which they were breaching the rules.
However, BBC Sport have been told there is little appetite from within the Premier League, both the organisation and clubs, for past titles to be stripped from Manchester City, meaning the record books may remain unchanged.
A points deduction, a huge fine, or possibly even expulsion from the Premier League are thought to be more likely punishments that City could receive.
Premier League rules do not directly make reference to a sanction of stripping previous titles, with a fine, points deduction or expulsion listed as possible punishments.
However, they also allow for a disciplinary commission panel to impose a penalty 'as it shall think fit', theoretically meaning that could include stripping titles.
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Rivals React To City Verdict
Action images via reuters/ Jason Cairnduff
When reports first broke out on Friday afternoon, it was then reported hours later that Manchester United were conducting their own assessments to see how much money they lost after missing out on the Premier League title to City during the nine years, as well as missing out on Champions League football on goal difference to City in one of the years.
They aren't alone, as other clubs were reported to be conducting their own legal processes to understand what compensation they could be entitled to, should City be found guilty after the appeal process has finished.
Wayne Rooney and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.
Wayne Rooney and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.
Jose Mourinho, who managed Manchester United during the time when the City charges relate, previously said before the news on Friday, "I think we still have a chance to win that league, and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."
However, since the news broke, no other rival Premier League clubs have issued a statement referring to the situation, with more to come once verdicts are made official.