Man City can be expelled from Premier League for reportedly breaching financial rules; what other punishments the champions club could face?

An independent tribunal has reportedly reached its verdict in Manchester City's financial rules breach case involving over 100 charges, with reports saying that most of the charges were found to have been proven. The case is now moving to the appeal stage, Sky Sports News reported.

Man City issues statement

A spokesperson for Man City told The Athletic: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality." The spokesperson added: "As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."

Charges against Man City

Manchester City have been charged with breaking the league's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period, between 2009 and 2018. The club has additionally been charged with failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations into its finances. Man City, which won the Premier League title three times during the period in question, has denied all the charges brought against it.

The hearing in the case ran from September 16 to December 6 in 2024. The 12-week hearing was held in front of a three-person independent commission at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London.

Likely punishments for City

If the commission rules against Man City, it can punish the club in a number of ways. According to Premier League rules, the penalty could be a deduction of points, a fine, or even expulsion from the league. Any of the outcomes is possible as the Premier League does not have set sanctions for financial rule breaches.

What happens next?

If any of the rule breaches are proven, it is quite likely that Man City will appeal. In 2014, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak had said that he would rather spend £30m on the 50 best lawyers in the world and sue UEFA for the next 10 years than agree a financial penalty for alleged FFP breaches. In the ongoing case, both sides can file an appeal within 14 days of the judgment.