A general view of a billboard in Manchester featuring a Paddy Power advert that reads 'Shamchester' (Image: PA)
A general view of a billboard in Manchester featuring a Paddy Power advert that reads 'Shamchester' (Image: PA)
ENGLISH clubs are reportedly exploring potential compensation claims after Man City were found guilty of significant financial rule breaches.
An independent commission has ruled against City on the vast majority of the charges brought by the Premier League, although an appeal is expected.
From 2009/10 to 2017/18, the Premier League say schemes were used to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900million.
The possibility of legal action has emerged, with some rival clubs reportedly having sought advice over whether they could claim for financial losses.
Potential compensation cases could extend beyond Premier League prize money, with clubs examining lost European income and other opportunities.
In November 2024, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Tottenham lodged formal legal notices to reserve the right to seek compensation.
🚨🚨| NEW: This is how much Manchester City 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 their recorded sponsorship income per season, as per the independent commission findings. 😱💰 pic.twitter.com/6CwC7w85Rs
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 30, 2026
The timing of the lodging of those notices was significant, to avoid a claim being time-barred, with the allegations against City dating back to 2018.
Saints could have an interest in any wider compensation process having spent seven seasons in the Premier League during the relevant period.
There is currently no suggestion Saints have lodged a claim or are planning to do so, but any wider process could raise questions for up to 35 clubs.
Saints finished as high as sixth during that Premier League spell and twice qualified for the Europa League, while also reaching the EFL Cup final in 2017.
There is recent precedent for one Premier League club being awarded compensation following another's financial rule breach in June this year.
Burnley were awarded £35m from Everton after the Clarets were relegated in a season Everton breached rules. Everton have appealed the decision.
Any compensation process would be separate from their sporting punishment, which has yet to be determined, and could be a lengthy battle.