Manchester City under a historic Premier League sanction

While Manchester City celebrates its triumphs, the Premier League is presenting it with the possibility of an unprecedented sanction that could affect three of its titles. An independent commission has found the club responsible for 114 of the 115 charges examined, although the ruling has not yet been made public.

The charges and the possible consequences

The process, which focused on alleged financial breaches between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, includes accusations of inaccurate financial information, irregularities in sponsorship revenues, remuneration of coaches and players, and possible breaches of profitability and sustainability rules. The Premier League has not yet confirmed the content of the decision and has declined to comment as it is a confidential procedure.

Among the sanctions being considered are a fine, a points deduction and even expulsion from the competition. The club has denied the irregularities from the start and has expressed confidence in its defence, noting that the process is ongoing and that important elements still remain to be completed.

The titles at stake and the rivals' reaction

If the sanction were retroactive, the championships of 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18 would be up for discussion. In 2011/12 City snatched the Premier from Manchester United on goal difference; in 2013/14 it beat Liverpool by two points; and in 2017/18 it reached 100 points, 19 more than United. The removal of a title would not automatically award it to the runner‑up.

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The news prompted an immediate reaction from David de Gea, former Manchester United goalkeeper, who wrote on X asking how many Premier Leagues City had won, recalling that United only has the 2012/13 league.

The process before the commission began in September 2024 and concluded in December of that year. Almost two years later, a date for the sanction has still not been communicated, and if City appeals, the case will be prolonged without being taken to the TAS, unlike the litigation with UEFA in 2020.

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The precedents set by Everton and Nottingham Forest, sanctioned for profitability breaches, show that points deductions are possible, although their cases were less extensive. Other clubs have already sought legal advice for possible financial claims, but no damage has yet been recognised nor have any compensation agreements been reached.