Man City’s Likely 115 Charges Punishment Revealed as Ex-Liverpool Director Gives Update

Manchester City faces ongoing uncertainty over 115 alleged Premier League rule breaches, first charged in February 2023, with a verdict still pending into 2026.[1] The club, owned by Sheikh Mansour, strenuously denies all accusations, some of which also involve UEFA rules. A private 10-week hearing occurred from September to December 2024, reviewed by an independent three-person commission.[1]

Despite Pep Guardiola's February 2025 expectation of a decision within a month, no announcement has come, potentially delayed by appeals. The Independent's Miguel Delaney reported in January 2026 that sources indicate at least another year before a final verdict.[1][3] The case, rooted in a 2018 investigation, has dragged into its eighth year.[3]

Former Liverpool director Christian Purslow, speaking on 'The Football Boardroom' podcast with Henry Winter, outlined likely punishments if City is found guilty. He dismissed chances of an out-of-court settlement like the prior Associated Party Transaction (APT) case, predicting the panel would follow precedent with sporting sanctions.[1] "The sporting sanction is likely to be major points deductions, which ultimately could translate into relegation," Purslow stated.[1]

Purslow emphasized that judges would rely on historical penalties rather than fines alone. A YouTube update from January 20, 2026, echoed concerns over timing, noting charges span 2009-2018 and could lead to severe mid-season repercussions if applied during play.[2] City might argue reliance on advisers for legality, but ultimate responsibility lies with the club.[2]

A Substack analysis raises 12 key questions on the endgame, including verdict timeline, conviction likelihood per charge group, potential outcomes, and historical context like City's past FFP failures and €20m UEFA fine (reduced from €60m).[3] Defenders claim such fines are standard for innocents, but critics call it propaganda.[3] As anticipation builds, the saga tests Premier League integrity and could reshape City's dominance.

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