Man City hierarchy must face personal punishment if guilty, says ex-FA chief

Manchester City's hierarchy must face personal sanctions if the club is found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, according to former Football Association chairman Mark Palios. The club is reportedly facing potentially 'drastic' penalties, with former chairman David Bernstein emphasizing that monetary fines alone would be insufficient.

Bernstein, who chaired City between 1998 and 2003, told Times Radio that "money is not sufficient" as a punishment and urged for a swift appeal process. He stated that if the charges are upheld after an appeal, his "beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty."

Manchester City has always strenuously denied the charges, and a club spokesperson reiterated that their 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.

The Premier League charged City in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches of rules between 2009 and 2018. The accusations include failing to provide accurate financial information, details of payments to players and coaches, and breaches of financial sustainability rules, as well as failing to cooperate with the investigation. A hearing by an independent commission commenced in September 2024.

Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher expressed shock at the reports, stating the club had assured them they vehemently denied the charges. UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy described the case as "unsettling" and called for a swift resolution.

In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year European ban on City and a fine for financial fair-play rule breaches, which was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If the reported guilty verdicts are confirmed, potential sanctions could include a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. Everton and Nottingham Forest both received points deductions in the 2023/24 season for single breaches of profit and sustainability rules.