A black cloud has been hanging over Manchester City since they were charged by the Premier League with breaking Financial Fair Play rules over a nine-year period.
City are alleged to have breached the competition's FFP rules more than 100 times between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. A three-man panel heard evidence from both sides in late-2024 and their decision on the 115 charges is expected soon.
According to Premier League rules, if Man City are found guilty of the alleged breaches, then the club faces a possible points deduction or even the threat of expulsion from the Premier League. City deny the charges against them.
If the panel rules in favour of the Premier League, it remains to be seen exactly what punishment will be dished out to Pep Guardiola's side. For context, Everton were given an immediate two-point deduction in April last year for a breach of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The Toffees were also deduced 10 points in November 2023 after being found guilty of a separate breach, although this was reduced to six points following a successful appeal.
While the charges against Man City are notably different and more extensive, this does show the Premier League's intention to clamp down on clubs who overspend and do not follow the competition's rules.
While City, the Premier League's other 19 clubs and the league itself waits for a verdict, speculation continues over potential punishments. Now, with a decision imminent, football.london's readers have had their say on any potential outcomes.
In a poll which received more than 1,000 responses, football.london asked readers: "What will be the outcome of City's '115 charges' case?" 13% thought the club will be handed a fine, while 9% predicted a points deduction. City to be relegated amounted to 7% of the vote, 8% thought the club's titles will be stripped and a massive 35% voted "all of the above or a combination", referencing the four aforementioned punishments.
Interestingly, 28% of voters believed City would face no punishment whatsoever. It's been reported that the outcome of the case will be revealed by the end of March.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters was asked about the potential verdict at the Financial Times' Business of Football Summit in February. "You won’t be surprised to hear that I won’t be talking about this, I can’t," he explained. "I mean, the disciplinary panel has heard the case and they must be left alone now to consider their decision and given the time and space to be able to do that. That is as pretty much as far as I can go."