MANCHESTER: Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has warned that the club could face severe sanctions if reports that it was found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges are confirmed.
The Premier League has not officially announced a verdict or any potential punishment.
Manchester City has consistently denied the allegations. A club spokesperson also said its position had not changed.
The club is expected to appeal if the charges are upheld.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years,” the spokesperson said, adding that the club expected the Premier League to act as an independent and fair regulator.
City Facing Long-Running Case
The Premier League charged City in 2023 after an investigation into alleged financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.
The charges include allegations that the club failed to provide accurate financial information and details about payments to players and coaches.
City also faces allegations of breaching financial sustainability rules and failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
An independent commission began hearing the case in September 2024.
Bernstein, who served as City chairman from 1998 to 2003, told Times Radio that any punishment could go beyond a financial penalty if the reported findings are upheld after an appeal.
He also called for the appeal process to conclude quickly.
“The appeal process cannot go on for year after year,” Bernstein said. “The timing is crucial.”
He said a financial penalty alone might not be sufficient if the club is ultimately found guilty of the charges.
Fans React to Developments
Oasis star and Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher said he was shocked by the reported findings.
He said the club had repeatedly denied the allegations and that the developments were therefore difficult for supporters and players.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also described the case as unsettling for football fans and called for a swift resolution.
If the reported findings are confirmed, possible sanctions could include a significant points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.
Everton and Nottingham Forest received points deductions during the 2023-24 season for breaches of the league’s profit and sustainability rules.
Other Premier League clubs are also understood to be seeking legal advice about possible compensation linked to the case.
City’s Rise Under Abu Dhabi Ownership
Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City in 2008.
Since then, City have become one of the most successful clubs in English football.
The club has won eight Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy and numerous other major honours during the period.
City previously faced UEFA financial fair-play action in 2020. UEFA imposed a two-year ban from European competitions and a fine, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport later overturned the ban.
The latest developments come months after Pep Guardiola left City following a highly successful decade as manager.
Guardiola had consistently supported the club’s position on the financial charges. However, he previously said he would leave if he discovered that club officials had misled him and the allegations were proven true.
