David Bernstein, the former chairman of Manchester City, has voiced concerns that any potential punishment regarding financial breaches should directly impact the club's status in the Premier League. He insists that a significant fine would not be an adequate measure.
Bernstein, who led City from 1998 to 2003, stated that financial penalties would have little effect on a club with almost limitless resources, a fact clearly demonstrated by their recent transfer activities.
Bernstein: 'Financial punishment won't be sufficient'
In an interview with talkSPORT, Bernstein remarked:
"I would first say that financial sanctions will be inadequate. We’re talking about a club with practically limitless financial capabilities - as seen in the last transfer window. £100 million, £200 million - such a fine simply wouldn't be enough."
The former chairman elaborated that any potential sanction should have a real impact on the club’s position within the English football system.
"Sadly - and I say this with great sorrow, truly as a fan - I think there needs to be something that affects their status in the league."
Bernstein also addressed the scenario of a hefty points deduction, noting that if such a penalty were introduced at the start of the current season, it would require around 80 points to ensure City’s relegation.
"If that were to happen today, with the season just beginning, and the points deduction were significant enough to actually determine their status in the Premier League, I calculated that about 80 points would be needed. This would mean the club could not recover this season and would be relegated."
He emphasized that much would depend on the timeline of the final ruling.
If the appeals process drags on until the end of the season, he believes the situation would be vastly different and could lead to automatic relegation scrutiny.
