Manchester City Face Possible 60-Point Deduction and Relegation Over 115 Charges
Manchester City could be hit with an unprecedented points deduction—potentially between 60 and 100 points—if found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The reigning Premier League champions face 115 charges for alleged financial rule breaches, and a verdict is expected in the coming months. If found guilty, a massive points deduction would likely guarantee their relegation from the Premier League into the English Football League (EFL).
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football on Trial: The Manchester City Charges podcast, Maguire compared City’s situation to Everton, who were initially docked 10 points for exceeding spending limits by £10–12 million in one season.
“If Everton were given a 10-point deduction for that level of breach, then to set an example and act as a deterrent, City could face a penalty up to six times as severe—around 60 to 100 points,” Maguire stated.
Relegation and EFL Acceptance
Should City receive such a punishment, they would likely be relegated from the Premier League. However, speculation that the EFL might refuse to accept them has been dismissed.
“There has been a suggestion that the EFL might refuse to accept Manchester City, but based on their rulebook, that doesn’t seem feasible,” Maguire added.
City Confident of Exoneration
Despite the looming threat, City officials remain confident that the maximum penalty they could face is a fine. David Ornstein of NBC Sports reported before City’s recent clash with Liverpool that the club believes it will be exonerated and that any potential punishment would not involve a points deduction or relegation.
The football world now awaits the final verdict, which could reshape Manchester City’s future and the Premier League landscape.
