Bernstein urges Man City board out as Premier League appeal looms

Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has called for the removal of the current board after the club was found guilty of every Premier League financial breach by an independent commission on Tuesday. He argues the board’s continued presence is untenable and warns that the club faces severe consequences if the verdict stands. The plea comes as the club prepares an appeal that must be lodged by Friday.

The commission concluded that City arranged ‘sham’ contracts with a range of commercial partners, inflating reported revenues by roughly £900m. It also found the club failed to co‑operate in good faith with the Premier League during the investigation. City’s chiefs maintain they are innocent and expressed surprise at the panel’s decision.

Board faces appeal deadline

Man City executives Khaldoon Al‑Mubarak and Ferran Soriano now have to overturn the charges in an upcoming appeal. They have until Friday to submit their case, while the Premier League is keen to resolve the matter swiftly. Should the appeal fail, the club could suffer unprecedented sanctions, ranging from a heavy points deduction to possible expulsion from the Premier League.

Bernstein demands board resignation

Bernstein, a lifelong Manchester City supporter who chaired the club from 1998 to 2003, said the board’s position is "untenable". "Throw the book at Man City board," he told Drive, adding that no penalty seems strong enough for the misconduct. He argued that, in a public company, directors facing such serious allegations would have to stand down or be suspended pending the outcome.

Premier League says Manchester City broke rules for nine seasons

Soriano defends club

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano sent a video message to staff on Tuesday evening, defending the club’s innocence and describing the verdict as a "conspiracy theory" created by the Premier League. He insisted the club is innocent and is engaged in a huge legal battle to clear its name. Getty

Bernstein intensified his criticism, accusing the board of systematic abuse over a long period and expressing sympathy for the supporters. "What credibility can a board have after such abuse?" he asked, noting he has been a City fan for seventy years. He doubts the Abu Dhabi owners would be happy with the current situation.

Regarding potential sanctions, Bernstein warned that if the appeal drags on for a year or two, the worst outcome could be the club’s removal from the Premier League. He said money would not be sufficient to offset the damage and that expulsion would be "beyond awful" for the club he loves.

Soriano rebuffs apology demand as Manchester City faces €1bn fraud verdict

The appeal deadline on Friday will determine whether Manchester City remains in the Premier League or faces a historic expulsion. All eyes are on the outcome as the club’s future hangs in the balance.