Premier League rivals seek multi-season sanctions if Manchester City appeal fails

Several Premier League clubs want Manchester City to face penalties addressing both past results and future seasons if their appeal against financial-rule findings fails, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday. The report, based on club sources, describes support among some executives for sanctions extending beyond a single points deduction and relegation, rather than a punishment confined to one campaign.

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An independent commission found City guilty of charges concerning breaches of Premier League financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, according to the BBC. City have appealed and continue to maintain their innocence. The proposals outlined by rival clubs are therefore views on potential punishment, not sanctions announced by the commission or a resolution of the appeal.

BBC Sport said at least four Premier League boardrooms considered a one-off deduction that sent City into the Championship inadequate. Some executives favour distributing points penalties across several seasons, while transfer restrictions covering multiple windows have also been discussed. Their concern is that a punishment lasting only one season could leave City able to return quickly to the top flight.

The treatment of past honours remains divisive. One senior club source advocated removing City's titles without awarding them to other teams, leaving those honours vacant instead. However, the BBC also noted that its earlier reporting had found limited enthusiasm among other clubs for stripping titles. The latest account does not establish a unified position across the league on that question.

Financial compensation is another possibility being discussed. Under one suggested approach described by the BBC, points deductions would revise City's historical finishing positions, and other clubs could receive payments reflecting the difference between their actual and recalculated placings. That remains a proposal, rather than an agreed compensation arrangement, and the report did not identify it as an adopted measure.

Some clubs also told the BBC they lacked clarity about the sequence and timing of the appeal and sanctions hearing. At the same time, sources acknowledged the Premier League's difficult position during the legal process. The immediate picture is consequently one of differing demands from rival clubs while City's challenge to the findings remains unresolved.