Manchester City

Premier League clubs 'want Man City relegated if found guilty of breaches'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 07 February 2023

Manchester City's Premier League rivals reportedly want to see the champions relegated from the top flight if they are found guilty of numerous financial breaches.

On Monday morning, the Premier League announced that the Citizens had been charged with over 100 alleged wrongdoings, dating between 2009 and 2018.

The charges - which came about following a four-year investigation - relate to revenue streams, operating costs and sponsorship deals, all of which Man City deny.

The club is alleged to have also broken the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules, as well as ignoring UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations and failing to assist with investigations.

Former manager Roberto Mancini is also said to have been receiving extra money through a secret second contract, while the full details of players' wages were allegedly not disclosed.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on January 11, 2023 © Reuters

If found guilty, Man City could face unprecedented sanctions, from fines and transfer bans to expulsion from the Premier League and even seeing previous titles stripped.

According to The Sun, the Citizens' fellow Premier League teams want to see the champions relegated if the charges are proven, but it will take a number of years before the process is complete.

An independent commission is now handling the case, but Man City cannot lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who overturned their two-year Champions League ban in 2020.

One high-ranking official at an unnamed club told the publication: "If these charges are proven there must be proper punishment - and the only fitting one is for them to be relegated. We're talking about a decade of alleged abuses and want the Premier League to do the right thing."

City have until February 23 to respond to the charges, but the club reacted with 'surprise' to the allegations against them in a statement released on Monday.

Manchester City players celebrate Riyad Mahrez's goal against Tottenham Hotspur on January 19, 2023 © Reuters

"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with," the statement read.

"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

Despite the looming uncertainty surrounding the club's future, Man City chiefs are reportedly preparing to go about their transfer and contract business as normal during the summer transfer window.

The champions find themselves five points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table and are next in action against Aston Villa on Sunday, before a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face the Gunners on February 15.