Manchester City could face a points deduction of between 40 and 60 points if found guilty of multiple breaches in their 115-charge Financial Fair Play case, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire. The Premier League club is accused of violating financial regulations across a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, allegations the club continues to deny.
Maguire spoke in detail on the latest episode of The Overlap, suggesting the potential punishment for Manchester City could be unprecedented in English football. “The Premier League cannot relegate Manchester City to League One or League Two because relegation falls under the English Football League, and Manchester City have not faced any proven charges from that body,” Maguire explained. “A points deduction is the only viable sanction.”
Precedent offers insight into potential outcomes. In 2024, Nottingham Forest and Everton faced points deductions of four and six points respectively for Financial Fair Play breaches spanning a three-year period. The scale of Manchester City’s alleged breaches is far greater, covering three times that duration.
Maguire emphasized the magnitude of the case, noting the financial figures involved are likely substantial. “If we consider what happened with Forest and Everton and scale it up for Manchester City, a deduction between 40 and 60 points would be consistent with previous sanctions,” he said.
The Financial Fair Play accusations against Manchester City are reportedly more serious than standard regulatory breaches. Maguire highlighted the potential legal and governance implications. “Corporate fraud is a very serious accusation,” he said. “If proven, the board of directors would have to step down. You cannot maintain a position in Premier League meetings as a shareholder when such accusations are validated.”
The expert drew comparisons with Juventus in Serie A, where the club’s board resigned after investigations found untruthful claims about player wages. The implication for Manchester City, should the allegations be proven, could involve a complete restructuring of the club’s executive leadership.
A deduction of 40 to 60 points would have profound consequences on Manchester City’s domestic campaign and competitive standing in Europe. Beyond the immediate sporting implications, such a sanction would challenge how the Premier League enforces financial rules against its top clubs. Maguire stressed that the case reflects broader questions about transparency and accountability in football governance.
“The honesty and integrity of board members is central to the credibility of the league,” Maguire said. “If Manchester City are found guilty, it is not only about points; it is about the structure, oversight, and reputation of the club itself.”
While the investigation continues, both Manchester City and the Premier League have expressed confidence in their positions, maintaining that the club has acted within regulations. However, the scale and complexity of the allegations ensure this will be one of the most closely watched Financial Fair Play cases in English football history.
