Several Premier League clubs are pressing for Manchester City to face penalties that address both their past financial breaches and their competitive position in future seasons if the club fails in its appeal.
An independent commission found City guilty of all charges connected to breaches of Premier League financial rules covering the period from the 2009-10 season through 2017-18. City have appealed the ruling, meaning no final sanctions have yet been imposed.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is also expected to examine the commission’s findings for any indications of possible professional misconduct arising from the case.
Clubs want punishment to extend beyond one season
Executives at several top-flight clubs believe any eventual penalty should do more than impose a single points deduction.
At least four Premier League clubs are understood to consider a one-season deduction severe enough to cause relegation insufficient given the scale and duration of the breaches identified by the commission.
Some league figures favour spreading points deductions across several seasons, which would reduce City’s ability to recover immediately even if they were relegated to the Championship.
Longer-term transfer restrictions have also been discussed as a possible sanction. A ban covering several transfer windows would make it more difficult for City to rebuild quickly and return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
There is also concern among some clubs about City being allowed to operate normally in the January transfer market while the appeals and sanctions process remains unresolved.
Debate continues over trophies and compensation
Opinions among Premier League clubs remain divided over whether City should lose trophies won during the period covered by the breaches.
One senior club figure believes the titles should be removed and left vacant rather than awarded retrospectively to other teams. City won eight major trophies during the relevant period.
However, other Premier League clubs are understood to have little interest in reopening historical competitions by stripping City of honours.
Financial compensation is another possibility being discussed. One proposal would involve recalculating City’s historical league positions by applying retrospective points deductions.
Rival clubs could then potentially receive compensation based on the difference between where they originally finished and where they would have placed under the revised standings.
Some executives have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the timetable for City’s appeal and any subsequent sanctions hearing, although there is also recognition of the complexity of the legal process facing the Premier League.
City prepare for Liverpool return
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is expected to address the squad after players return from international duty on Thursday.
City’s next fixture is away against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 BST. It will be their first match since the commission’s verdict became public.
Merseyside Police has received enquiries relating to the fixture and plans to have an appropriate policing operation in place.
Liverpool are not expected to introduce additional measures beyond their normal matchday preparations. The club routinely holds discussions with supporters and relevant authorities before home fixtures.
Officials are aware that emotions surrounding the financial ruling could be heightened but are hoping supporters express their views without crossing behavioural or safety boundaries.