Manchester City are likely to be docked around 40 to 50 points for 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules. An independent commission concluded last month that the club violated 114 rules between 2009 and 2018 through the use of sham sponsorship deals.
The commission determined these deals were used to boost the club's earnings by approximately £900 million over that nine-year period. This timeframe covers three of City's Premier League title wins. The club has appealed the guilty verdict, claiming it possesses irrefutable evidence that sponsorship funds came legitimately from the Abu Dhabi government.
Largest sanction in history
A single-season deduction of 40 to 50 points would represent the biggest sporting sanction ever handed down in English football. The current record is held by Luton Town, who received a 30-point penalty in the 2008-09 season. Other notable deductions include the 21 points taken from Derby County during the 2021-22 campaign and the 17-point penalties given to Rotherham and Bournemouth in 2008-09.
Appeal timeline and potential punishments
The appeal process is scheduled to take 12 weeks, with a 30-day period for the judgement to be delivered. This targets a final verdict by the end of January, though it could come as late as February 8. The Premier League aims to apply any punishment before the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
Possible sanctions extend beyond a points deduction. They include heavy fines, transfer bans, expulsion from the Premier League, and the stripping of previously won titles. The Independent Football Regulator is also considering the removal of the club's owners as part of the potential consequences. City have stated they are prepared to exhaust every legal avenue to avoid punishment.
The final decision from the appeal will determine the ultimate sanction for Manchester City. Rangers return to domestic action with an away fixture against St Mirren on November 7.
Background and full detail: GiveMeSport
