Manchester City could face a record points deduction of 70 to 80 points after being found guilty of breaching numerous financial regulations, according to The Sun.

Manchester City was found guilty of the majority of 130 charges related to financial rule breaches during their title-winning seasons between 2009 and 2018, and could face sanctions including substantial points deductions. The club currently sits at the top of the league and boasts stars like Haaland. Senior officials are almost certain to appeal.

Following these significant financial irregularities, Manchester City's rivals could even be retroactively awarded Premier League titles. Relegation and even expulsion from the Premier League have been listed as possible penalties after Manchester City lost its lengthy legal battle.

Sources claim that players, fans, and staff are preparing for a record points deduction of 70 to 80 points, which would guarantee the team's relegation to the Championship. Premier League officials have not yet finalized the sanctions, and retroactive points deductions could also be applied, potentially awarding previous league titles to the runners-up.

During the 2009-2018 period when the alleged breaches occurred, Manchester United and Liverpool both finished second when Manchester City won the title. If Manchester City is points-deducted, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could receive his first Premier League winners' medal, José Mourinho could add another title, and Sir Alex Ferguson could claim his 14th title. Other reported penalty options include a ban from European competitions.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have all issued legal notices, preserving their rights to claim £100 million each.

Since Sheikh Mansour, a member of the UAE royal family, took over, Manchester City has won 8 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 7 League Cups, and 1 Champions League. During the period covered by the charges, Manchester City won 3 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 1 Community Shield.

This lengthy and costly legal battle began in November 2018 when financial documents were leaked to German media outlet Der Spiegel. In 2023, Manchester City was accused of misrepresenting financial statements, concealing player and coaching salaries, breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and Premier League sustainability regulations, and failing to cooperate with investigations.

When the charges were announced in 2023, club officials stated they were "surprised" given that the Premier League had obtained "substantial detailed material." Manager at the time Pep Guardiola said he had "full confidence" that Manchester City would ultimately be cleared.

Manchester City subsequently issued a strong statement, suggesting that Premier League management had made a "biased" decision. A club spokesperson said: "The Premier League process is ongoing, with important stages yet to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality rules.

"Therefore, Manchester City's position remains consistent with their statement from February 2023. The club has diligently complied with legal proceedings over the past eight years, trusting that the Premier League's board and management would act as an independent, impartial, and principled regulator, free from any bias."

Manchester City officials are also preparing for the possibility of retroactive points deductions, a penalty that could strip the club of three past titles. In the 2011/12 season, Manchester City won their first Premier League title, defeating fierce rivals Manchester United on goal difference thanks to Sergio Agüero's injury-time winner.

Two years later, Manchester City won the title by two points ahead of Steven Gerrard's Liverpool; in the 2017/18 season, Manchester City won by 100 points, 19 points clear of runners-up Manchester United.

Insiders suggest that immediate points deductions are more likely to be the final penalty, but the deduction would need to be substantial enough to reflect the severity of the breaches, potentially moving Manchester City from the top to the bottom of the table. Expelling Manchester City from the Premier League is considered a "nuclear option," and the club could also face a record fine of up to £100 million.

This decision also opens the door for past cup final opponents who lost to Manchester City to retroactively receive trophies. This includes Stoke City, who lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the 2011 FA Cup final, and Sunderland, who lost 3-1 in the 2014 League Cup final.

This guilty verdict has also dampened fan spirits. After Manchester City spent £450 million this summer, the new season began on a very promising note.

Recent developments following Manchester City's guilty verdict include: one of the major summer signings was World Cup winner Enzo Fernández from Argentina for £125 million, matching the English transfer record. Current manager Enzo Maresca took over from Guardiola this summer, ending Guardiola's 10-year tenure. Guardiola managed during the 2017/18 season, which is covered by the charges.

After the charges were announced, Guardiola strongly defended the club. He said: "You have to understand that 19 clubs in the Premier League accused us, and we don't have the capacity to defend ourselves. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

"We didn't have that chance; we were already judged. I am completely confident that we will ultimately be proven not guilty."

Manuel Pellegrini led the team to the 2013/14 title, while Roberto Mancini brought Manchester City their first Premier League trophy. Mancini was previously accused of receiving unexplained salary increases during his tenure but denied any wrongdoing.

Manchester City officials are preparing their next legal steps after accusing other clubs of conspiring against them. The identities of the three independent panel members who made the decision remain confidential.

Premier League sources indicate that an appeal is unlikely to be filed before sanctions are officially announced. Dame Caroline Dinenage, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, believes this decision could shake the foundations of football.

She stated: "The reported Premier League decision against Manchester City Football Club has profound implications for our national game. The length and cost of this process raise serious concerns. It again questions how financial fair play is ensured across the football pyramid.

"This matter must continue through proper process, and legal procedures must be followed, but I very much hope the next stage can be concluded as quickly as practically reasonable."

Only 1 of the initial 115 charges against Manchester City was not found proven. These charges were later increased to 130, divided into 6 categories.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com