Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has sounded the alarm over potential severe sanctions for the club if the appeal confirms the ruling regarding their financial breaches.
According to reports, an independent commission has found City guilty of 114 out of 115 charges. However, there has yet to be an official announcement from the Premier League regarding the outcomes and possible punishments.
Bernstein: 'Money isn't enough'
Bernstein, who chaired City from 1998 to 2003, stated on Times Radio that any potential punishment should extend beyond just financial penalties.
'I can't judge the punishment. If the club is found guilty after the appeal, my beloved club will face very serious sanctions.'
He also emphasised the need for a swift resolution to avoid dragging the appeals process over many years:
'The appeals process cannot go on year after year – that would be catastrophic. Not just for this particular case, but for English football as a whole. Time is of the essence.'
Regarding potential sanctions, Bernstein added:
'Money isn't enough; it has to be something more serious, I'm afraid.'
The case background
The Premier League charged Manchester City in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches from 2009 to 2018.
The charges included:
- Providing misleading financial information;
- Violations related to player and coach payments;
- Failing to comply with financial stability regulations;
- Not sufficiently cooperating with investigations.
Independent commission hearings are set to begin in September 2024.
Manchester City has consistently denied the allegations throughout the process, reiterating that their position has not changed and highlighting the need for due process.
In the event of the charges being upheld, the club is expected to lodge an appeal.
Possible sanctions
As it stands, no punishment has been handed down. If the verdict is confirmed following all procedures and appeals, potential sanctions being discussed could include hefty fines, points deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League.
However, it's premature to speculate on any specific sanction at this stage.
Previously, both Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for separate financial rule violations.
Moreover, other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice regarding potential claims for compensation.
Noel Gallagher's reaction
Noted Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher has expressed his surprise at the ruling.
'It was a shock because the club has assured us throughout that it categorically denies all these accusations. So it was a bit shocking to find out we've been found guilty on all but one count. Overall, I'm just very sad. Sad for the fans and the players.'
UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer described the situation as troubling for football fans and urged for a swift resolution to the case.
The context
Back in 2020, UEFA banned Manchester City from European competitions for two years and fined the club for breaching financial fair play rules. This ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Since the Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008, Manchester City has won eight Premier League titles, the Champions League, and numerous other trophies.
