Premier League champions Manchester City remain embroiled in a high-stakes legal dispute with the league over 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations.
An independent commission began hearing the case in September 2024, with proceedings concluding in December after months of detailed submissions. The investigation itself dates back to 2018, though formal charges were not brought until February 2023, according to reports.
The allegations relate to financial reporting practices, sponsorship valuations, payments to managers and players, and compliance with both UEFA and Premier League regulations. City are also accused of failing to fully cooperate with investigators across multiple seasons between 2009–10 and 2022–23.
Purslow Warns of Serious Consequences
Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa executive Christian Purslow has suggested that a final resolution may still be some way off. Speaking on The Football Boardroom with Henry Winter, Purslow noted that any ruling could be followed by lengthy appeal proceedings, potentially delaying enforcement of sanctions.
He cautioned that if City are found guilty, the legal process could extend for months beyond the initial decision. Importantly, he stressed that sporting penalties themselves might be postponed while appeals are heard.
Purslow also warned against the possibility of a private settlement between the league and City, describing such an outcome as a “terrible mistake” that would satisfy neither rival clubs nor supporters. Instead, he argued that the matter should be left entirely to the independent commission to determine both precedent and punishment.
Relegation Risk?
According to Purslow, precedent in similar regulatory cases points toward substantial sporting sanctions if breaches are proven. He suggested that significant points deductions could be imposed — penalties severe enough to threaten City’s league status.
Should such deductions be applied, they could ultimately result in relegation, depending on their scale and timing.
For now, the football world awaits the commission’s findings in what has become one of the most consequential legal battles in English football history.
