English Premier League clubs have united in their stance against sanctions imposed on Manchester City. Rivals of the Citizens do not expect to see the team in the top division next season if the guilty verdict stands, and they insist on a long-term punishment.
Last week, an independent panel found Manchester City guilty of 114 out of 115 charges of financial breaches dating from 2009 to 2018. This decision came after a thorough four-year investigation by the Premier League and a six-week hearing that concluded by the end of 2024. Under the management of Enzo Mareska, the club has already lodged an appeal, although the likelihood of it being upheld is seen as extremely low.
Should the appeal be rejected, the club faces a significant range of penalties including a hefty fine, a transfer ban, point deductions, the stripping of previously won Premier League titles, or even total exclusion from the league. Additionally, Manchester City could face legal actions from direct competitors and a mass exodus of key players. The final decision on the sanctions will rest with the same three-person panel that deemed the club guilty.
Sky Sports chief reporter Kave Solhekol has revealed details of the collective position taken by the league's other teams. Clubs are sceptical about Manchester City's ability to retain their Premier League status for the next season should the verdict remain. A consensus has emerged among league participants: sanctions limited to just a single season would be deemed insufficient.
Sky Sports noted that clubs are inevitably considering their own interests — relegating the Citizens would ensure survival for one of the teams in the relegation zone, remove a title contender, and free up an additional European spot. However, the paramount factor is an adherence to principles: rules must be observed by all, regardless of a club's stature or history. Breaches occurred over many years, and thus, penalties cannot be one-off.
In a similar vein, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher asserted that punishment for Manchester City should stretch for many years:
Now we officially know they are guilty. Yes, an appeal has been lodged, but the initial verdict is damning, and no one is prepared to wait any longer. The decision must come into effect this season so that the repercussions are felt in the next campaign. If Manchester City wins the title this year against this backdrop of proven wrongdoing, the whole title will become farcical. Punishment must be enforced this season, and it cannot be a one-year deal. Breaches have continued for years, so the punishment should last for years as well.
