Big Man City update after club challenges Premier League decision
Here’s some new info about the punishment Manchester City might face if the independent commission’s decision stands — and it looks like they might not be relegated after all.
Last week, the commission shared its verdict on the Premier League’s investigation into Manchester City’s finances from 2009 to 2018. City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges, and the Premier League said the club used “sham contracts” to boost revenue and cut costs.
According to the Premier League, City arranged secret funding deals worth over £830 million with commercial partners. There are a few possible punishments being talked about, like points deductions, automatic relegation, losing titles, or even being kicked out of the Premier League.
On October 3, football finance expert Kieran Maguire talked about what might happen based on similar cases with Chelsea, Everton, and Nottingham Forest. His “gut feeling” is that City could get a points deduction between 50 and 60 points.
He told talkSPORT: “We have to look at past cases. Chelsea got big fines — around £20 million — for financial issues. City’s fines will probably be much bigger, maybe £50 to £60 million plus a big fine.
“Also, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Leicester City all broke spending rules and got points deducted. The idea is if spending gives you an advantage on the field, you should be punished on the field — with points taken away.
“Manchester City’s offences happened over many years, so you’d expect a bigger points deduction. It looks like it might start with 3 points, then 1 extra point for every £6.5 million they overspent.
“Then, if they didn’t help with the investigation, that could mean even more points deducted.
“If all this is true after appeals, it could add up to 50 to 60 points lost.
“If they lose more than 70 points, that’s basically relegation.
“From a story angle — though the commission isn’t about drama — 50 points off would mean City starting way behind, with 33 games left. That would be quite something to watch.”
Manchester City has appealed the decision. On October 2, the club said: “At 7pm on October 1, 2026, we filed a full appeal against the Premier League Commission’s opinion.
“We strongly believe the decision is wrong in law and fact and that we are innocent. We have clear evidence to prove this.
“We respect the process but can’t say more until everything is finished.”
The appeal will be heard privately by a three-person panel and should wrap up in about 12 weeks, with the final decision announced within 30 days after that.
Also worth noting: Erling Haaland might have trouble changing his contract with City, as his £500k-a-week salary could be reduced.