London, Oct 07 (V7N)- Several Premier League clubs are calling for severe sanctions against Manchester City if the club’s appeal against a ruling on financial-rule breaches is unsuccessful, including possible retrospective penalties for the period covered by the case.
Sources told BBC Sport that a number of clubs believe any punishment should reflect the scale and duration of the alleged financial breaches rather than amount to a short-term setback.
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club has denied wrongdoing and appealed the ruling, arguing that the commission’s decision contained significant errors of law and fact.
The case concerns allegations that City used sham commercial arrangements to inflate revenues and understate costs by more than £900 million over several seasons. The club maintains that it is innocent and says it has substantial evidence supporting its appeal.
According to BBC Sport, at least four Premier League clubs believe a single points deduction combined with relegation would not adequately reflect the seriousness of the findings. However, there is no consensus among clubs over the precise form of punishment.
One senior club official reportedly argued that City should be stripped of trophies won during the period covered by the breaches. The official said the titles should simply be removed rather than automatically awarded to other clubs.
Other clubs are reportedly more focused on sanctions that would have a long-term effect on City's ability to rebuild. Several Premier League figures believe any points deduction could be spread across multiple seasons rather than imposed in a single campaign.
A ban covering several transfer windows has also been discussed as a possible measure. Some clubs believe such a restriction would prevent City from quickly recovering their competitive position if they were relegated or heavily penalized.
One club official said it would be difficult to understand if City were permitted to conduct normal transfer business while the legal process remained unresolved and potential sanctions had yet to be implemented.
Several clubs have also expressed frustration over a lack of information from the Premier League about the timing and sequence of the appeal and subsequent sanction hearings.
However, sources said there was also understanding among clubs about the difficulties facing the Premier League because of the complexity of the case and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The independent appeal process is being conducted privately. Under the Premier League's fast-track rules, an appeal hearing is expected within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged, with a decision due within 30 days of the hearing's conclusion.
Potential sanctions could include fines, points deductions, title removals and relegation, although no final punishment has been announced. A proposal for financial compensation to affected clubs has also reportedly been discussed.
Former England captain Gary Lineker has separately said City should accept responsibility if the breaches are upheld, while acknowledging that the case is damaging for the club and English football.
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