Manchester City is facing a substantial punishment after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, spanning from 2009 to 2018. Despite winning numerous honors during this time, the club vehemently denies all charges. However, the case is set to go to trial, and the public will remain unaware of any developments until a final verdict is reached.
The trial’s timing and potential consequences remain uncertain, meaning that another season of football will elapse before City learns its fate. An independent commission will meticulously investigate and review the charges, and current legislation outlines eight potential punishments for FFP breaches. These potential penalties range from fines and points deductions to exclusion from future UEFA competitions, with the severity of the punishment contingent on the gravity of the breach.
However, it’s important to note that just seven of the 115 charges relate to breaches of the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The outcomes of the trial are difficult to predict, given the unprecedented nature of the case. There could be a shift toward financial penalties rather than more severe repercussions like points deductions or competition expungements, which has sparked criticism and debate.
Any potential rule changes are unlikely to be implemented before the conclusion of City’s trial.
