Former Manchester City chief David Bernstain believes “financial penalties will not be enough” and says their Premier League should be in doubt following reports they have been found guilty for financial breaches.
City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges for breaching financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, which is set to land them a hefty punishment.
Chairman Kaldoon Al Mubarak insists he remains confident City will be cleared of the charges and the club is set to lodge an appeal.
It is not known what the severity of the punishment will be but with this the most significant number of breaches in Premier League history, which has seen a four-year investigation take place, it is suggested that nothing is off the table.
Bernstein, who was City chairman between 1998 and 2003, said: “I would first of all say that financial penalties will not be enough.
“We’re talking about a club with limitless pockets – money doesn’t mean very much as we saw in the last transfer window. Whether it’s [a fine of] £100million, £200m, that would not be sufficient.
“Unfortunately – I say all of these things with great sorrow, I really do, as a fan – I think there has to be something that will affect their league status. And if it was to be a points deduction, it depends on timing.
“If it was today, with the season just a few games in, and the points deduction had to be something that was terminal as far as their Premier League status was concerned, I worked out you’d have to have something like 80 points deducted, which would mean the club could not recover this season and would go down.
“But if this happens at the end of the season, because of the appeals and so on, it’s a different kettle of fish.
“Then you may be talking about an automatic relegation – to which division I don’t know. I think it does depend partly on the timing.”
Man City charges: Rivals prepare lawsuit
While Manchester City await the outcome of the case, rival clubs are already exploring potential legal action.
Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United have all issued formal notices reserving their right to seek damages, claiming alleged financial losses linked to City’s purported breaches. The combined claims could reportedly reach £800 million.
During the period under investigation, City secured eight Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, four FA Cups and seven EFL Cups.
However, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued a firm response on Saturday, insisting the club remain confident of clearing their name and “proving the club’s innocence”.
He also questioned the impartiality of the process, maintaining City’s position as they await a final verdict.
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