Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy predicts Championship relegation, a transfer ban and a record fine for Manchester City amid unconfirmed financial case verdict reports
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca gestures
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca gestures(Image: PETER POWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
Danny Murphy reckons Manchester City will face severe triple sanctions following reports they have been found guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League financial charges.
However, the former Liverpool midfielder argues there would be no point in stripping any silverware from the Etihad Stadium club. Numerous sources have indicated City were found guilty by an independent panel on all bar one of the 115 charges, relating to alleged breaches spanning 2009 to 2018.
The Premier League will now determine appropriate penalties, with reports suggesting clubs were informed at a Thursday meeting that a conclusion had been reached with their fate to be decided.
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Murphy commented: "I'm really surprised to hear that they are guilty of all but one of the charges if I'm honest as they have always been so robust and adamant regarding their innocence.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"I do expect them to appeal and contrary to reports my gut feeling is that the process could be drawn out for quite some time.
"I think it's pointless stripping them of titles that they've already won as the runners-up won't feel any sense of satisfaction being given a title years later. The fans, players and staff never had the feeling or experience of winning said titles so it's pointless to me."
The probe into City commenced following leaked financial documents in November 2018 and has continued throughout the era in which they secured numerous major trophies under Pep Guardiola, who departed the club in the summer following a decade in charge. Liverpool served as their primary domestic rivals during an era in which the Merseyside club secured one Premier League title and finished as runners-up on two occasions to City despite accumulating over 90 points.
Murphy, in conversation with Snabbare, continued: "My feeling is the Premier League will have to go strong but they are caught between a rock and hard place because ultimately a relegation of any sorts lessens their product and makes the league less competitive.
Danny Murphy has shared his opinion on the sanctions that could face Manchester City
Danny Murphy has shared his opinion on the sanctions that could face Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
"That said I think they will probably relegate them to the Championship, impose some sort of transfer ban, and give them a huge, record-breaking fine to send a message to the whole of football.
"I think their best hope is a big points deduction for this season and a record-breaking fine plus a year or two transfer ban."
It is understood that City intend to challenge the ruling and, following The Athletic's initial reporting, released a club statement which made no reference to whether they had been deemed guilty.
The statement read: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023.
"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."