Manchester City has received a stark warning regarding potential penalties in their Financial Fair Play (FFP) case, with experts suggesting that a guilty verdict could result in a points deduction ranging from 60 to 100 points. This follows the club facing 115 charges related to financial mismanagement, with an independent hearing now concluded.
The Premier League champions are awaiting the verdict, which could lead to various sanctions, including points penalties, transfer bans, or even expulsion from the league. In contrast, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced lighter penalties for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), receiving four and six-point deductions respectively. However, should City be found guilty of FFP violations, the consequences are expected to be significantly more severe.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire highlighted the differences in severity between the cases. He noted that while Everton and Nottingham Forest were charged with “minor breaches,” Manchester City is accused of corporate fraud, which would classify as a major violation. If found guilty, the punishment is likely to be much harsher than what was imposed on the other clubs.
Currently, Manchester City is competing for a top-four finish in the Premier League and remains in contention for Champions League and FA Cup titles. However, a substantial points deduction could drastically affect their league standing. The club has consistently maintained its innocence and plans to appeal any potential punishments.