In the midst of Manchester City’s 115-charge case, a reputable writer has offered more information about whether the team will lose the titles they have won during that time if they are found guilty in the upcoming weeks or months.
In February 2024, they were accused of 115 violations of the Premier League’s hard-to-change financial rules; after some initial uncertainty over the allegations, which were amassed between 2009 and 2018, that figure increased to 130.
As previously reported, at a hearing held in 2024 from September, when the hearing began, and December, when final arguments were given, the former Champions League winners categorically rejected any wrongdoing on their side.
Pep Guardiola and his team, the historic four-time winners of England’s top division, are about to go on the last straight leg of their legal battle with the Premier League, which has been dubbed the “Trial of the Century.”
Furthermore, if they are found guilty, the consequences could include anything from massive penalties and humiliating point deductions to possible relegation down the English ladder and the loss of their previously earned trophies.
“I anticipate a verdict and a punishment in a month. We’ll then examine what I think of what has transpired thus far. Guardiola, a native of Catalonia, stated at the start of February that a final decision would be made in a few weeks.
Football finance specialist Kieran Maguire has commented on the club’s legal dispute, according to The Mirror. He explained on BBC Radio 5 Live that, considering how Everton was penalised the previous season, a points deduction that would result in relegation would be the appropriate punishment.
Before mentioning Everton’s comparable circumstance from 2023–2024, in which they were docked 10 points, he stated, “If the club is found guilty, a points deduction would be the most likely outcome.”
“As for the amount of points deduction, I believe that if Everton were initially docked 10 points for exceeding the limits by roughly £10/12 million in a single season, it would serve as a deterrent to the rest of football.”
In addition, Maguire added, “We’ll probably be looking at somewhere in the region of 60 to 100 points, which would effectively guarantee relegation out of the Premier League and into the lower tiers of football in the EFL.” This statement highlights the possible severity of any points loss.
Matt Hughes, previously of The Times, stated that there isn’t much desire to accept retroactive punishment when asked if City may lose their Premier League titles. Simon Leaf, Mishcon de Reya’s Head of Sport and Commercial & Technology Lawyer, also described the challenges faced by other clubs seeking restitution in the event of guilt.
After considering this, I have a suspicion that some clubs would respond, “In fact, we would have been entitled to payments for qualifying for the Champions League… or even bonuses from sponsors from finishing in a different position.”
In another statement, Martin Lipton acknowledged that he would be “very surprised” if they lost their prior honours because it would be a blow to the Premier League’s rich and illustrious past, which started when the English top flight underwent a reorganisation in 1992.
“The most memorable moment in Premier League history—Sergio Aguero’s goal against QPR in the 94th minute to win the league—did not occur if titles were taken away. He said that title-stripping is just “not going to happen” and that “you can’t rewrite history to that extent.”
