Manchester City could face drastic sanctions over Premier League charges

LONDON: Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein said the club could face potentially "drastic" sanctions after reportedly being found guilty of all but one of 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. No official announcement has been made by the Premier League regarding the case, and there is no indication of any possible punishment.

Abu Dhabi-backed City have always strenuously denied the charges, and a club spokesperson said its position had not changed. It is understood that City will appeal should the charges be upheld.

"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," the spokesperson said. City were charged by the Premier League in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches of rules between 2009 and 2018.

The club were accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as breaches of financial sustainability rules. They were also charged with failing to co-operate with an investigation.

A hearing by an independent commission began in September 2024. 'Severe penalty' Bernstein, who was City chairman between 1998 and 2003, told Times Radio that "money is not sufficient" as a potential punishment, urging a swift appeal process.

"The appeal process cannot go on for year after year, I think that would be a disaster," he said. "Not just for this particular case but for English football generally.

"I can't give a view on the punishment. If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of (the) charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty.

"All I would say is that money is not sufficient, it would have to be something, unfortunately, more drastic than that. " Oasis star and City fan Noel Gallagher described his "shock" at the developments.

Speaking on the Let Me Talk podcast, he said: "Surprised because only that the club have assured us all along that they vehemently denied any of these charges. "So it was a bit of a shock to find out that we've been found guilty of all but one.