Possible Sanctions, Points Deductions Amid Premier League Financial Allegations Against Man City

By Sports EDITOR

Manchester City, in early February, were accused of more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League Financial Regulations, with the alleged offences said to have occurred over the course of numerous years.

Following a four-year investigation, the Premier League charged them with breaching rules regarding the providing of “accurate financial information” to the league.

Manchester City were also accused of failing to co-operate with the league’s probe.

In response, Man City said they were “surprised” by the Premier League’s claims, “particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with”.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position,” City added. “As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

The timeline for the independent commission’s processes could be extremely lengthy, with multiple journalists suggesting this saga could play out over the course of months or even years before a resolution is reached.

Should Manchester City be found guilty of some or all of the alleged financial breaches outlined in the Premier League investigation, here are the possible punishments the club could face.

What Man City are being charged with, timeline, and what they’ve said in full.

Could Man City face a points deduction?
The most commonly discussed potential punishment for Manchester City seems to be a points deduction. This comes according to Martyn Ziegler of The Times. It was also mentioned as a possibility by Mark Ogden of ESPN.

Only one club in Premier League history have ever faced a points deduction: Portsmouth were docked nine points for entering administration in late February 2010. At the time of the punishment, they were already bottom of the league and likely to be relegated.

In Serie A, Italian giants Juventus received a 15-point deduction for financial irregularities just this season, pushing them out of the race for a European place.

Could Man City be fined?
If Man City were to be found guilty of the alleged financial breaches laid out by the Premier League, a fine would most likely be in order as the lowest potential punishment.

There is no outline for the size of the potential fine, as it could reportedly be of an unlimited nature.

…The Sporting News