Marsch says everyone knew Manchester City were cheating charges loom

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch says everyone knew Manchester City were inflating their budget while he was in charge at Leeds United in the Premier League, and points out that the club now faces charges for 115 financial breaches.

Marsch's accusations

In an interview with, Marsch warned, “I think Man City should be punished severely. I think they should have to go down, and by the way, everyone knew about it. Everyone knew.” He added that the summer of 2022 saw only Leeds United and Manchester City claiming to have made money, after Leeds sold Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips to the capital club.

City's financial charges

Manchester City have been hit with charges covering all 115 financial breaches under investigation. It is alleged that the club topped up sponsorship deals with money supplied directly by its owners. The outfit maintains it has done nothing wrong and has lodged an appeal against the decision.

Potential sanctions

If the appeal fails, relegation is listed as one of the possible penalties. Football finance specialist Kieran Maguire predicts both a fine and a points deduction, citing precedents set for Nottingham Forest, Everton and Leicester City after they breached the PSR limits. He explains that spending more on players creates a competitive edge that should be countered by a points penalty.

Maguire suggests an initial three‑point deduction, with an additional point for every £6.5 million over the limit, based on former reports. He also notes an aggregating factor could add further deductions if the club is found to have obstructed the investigation.

His gut reaction estimates a total penalty of between 50 and 60 points, which would effectively relegate the club if the deduction exceeds 70 points. While he acknowledges the dramatic narrative such a sanction would create, he stresses the commission’s focus remains on the rules rather than any “Hollywood” storyline.